Lori's Story

In this episode, Lori shares her journey of discovering she was donor conceived after taking a DNA test meant to be a distraction during a difficult time. What began as curiosity about her heritage unraveled decades of family secrets, uncovered hidden siblings, and raised urgent questions about medical history and identity. Lori speaks candidly about the impact on her relationships, the search for truth, and her commitment to breaking cycles of secrecy for future generations.Lori can be reached on Instagram @journe2mehttps://www.instagram.com/journe2me?igsh=MXIwcWw5dmF1bXl1dg%3D%3D&utm_source=qrResources Mentioned:Richard Wenzel's ongoing Family Medical History project email [email protected] link:https://nursingfornpes.com/Hiraeth Hope & Healing:https://www.hiraethhopeandhealing.com/NPE Stories PatreonNPE Stories facebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/NPEstories

Rebecca grew up without the steady presence of a father, carrying unanswered questions into adulthood. When a DNA test opened unexpected doors, she discovered family connections that had been close by all along — in ways she never could have imagined.Resources Mentioned:DNA Surprises with Alexis HourseltNPE Stories PatreonNPE Stories facebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/NPEstories

We kick off Season 7 with a warm welcome to new listeners and a bit of housekeeping before diving into this week’s story.Our guest, Liz, grew up surrounded by confusion—her various IDs and birth certificates carried different names and birthdates, leaving her with more questions than answers. Discovering she is an NPE helped bring clarity, and since then she’s begun building relationships with some of her family members. While those connections are slowly unfolding, she has not yet met her biological father.Liz can be reached via email [email protected] Mentioned:Right To KnowUntangling Our Roots SummitSeverance MagazineNPE Stories PatreonNPE Stories facebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/NPEstories

In this powerful Season 6 finale, author J. Steven Osborne shares his remarkable DNA surprise journey—from a casual ancestry test to discovering he was not biologically related to the father he adored. What began as a search for Native American heritage unraveled decades of hidden family truths, emotional trauma, and unexpected healing. With humor, honesty, and raw vulnerability, Steve recounts how love, support, and forgiveness helped him rebuild his identity and redefine the meaning of family. His story, as told in DNA – Did Not Anticipate, is one of shock, resilience, and the life-changing power of truth.NPE Stories will return in August 2025 for Season 7.Resources Mentioned:Webpage: www.DNADidNotAnticipate.comAmazon Book Link: https://tinyurl.com/wswyx3xvBoth Sides Now Video:   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SuaDsq3K2x2AlaUbAIN1huH2B6Ht4lie/view?usp=drive_linkEmail: [email protected]'s Facebook: DNA - Did Not AnticipateBecky's Facebook: Becky Brower OsborneX: @DNAOrphanLinkedIn: J-Steven-OsborneNPE Stories PatreonNPE Stories facebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/NPEstories

Trigger warning: This episode contains discussions of child abuse, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.Deb recounts a sad childhood with abuse and multiple years in foster care. After finding out she was an NPE through a DNA test Deb shares her story of meeting and building strong bonds with her biological paternal family while dealing with legal matters at the same time. Deb can be reached via email [email protected] Stories PatreonNPE Stories facebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/NPEstories

Rashanda opens up about growing up without a mom or dad and the emotional toll of navigating life without a traditional family structure. From childhood instability to finding her own voice, her story is one of raw honesty, growth, and empowerment. This episode offers a moving look into what it means to rise above your beginnings.Rashanda can be reached via email [email protected] Mentioned:DNAngelsNPE Stories PatreonNPE Stories facebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/NPEstories

Raised in a devout Catholic family, Annette grew up believing her father had died before she was born. Decades later, a series of emotional discoveries unraveled everything she thought she knew about her identity. Her journey explores loss, secrecy, and the power of living one’s truthAnnette's memoir is called Living Into the Truth. You can learn more about Annette and her story at the following links:annettemarquis.comwordswomenpress.comResources Mentioned:Untangling Our Roots SummitHigh Conflict InstituteIt's All Your Fault! PodcastRight to KnowNPE Stories PatreonNPE Stories facebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/NPEstories

In Episode 216, Melanie recounts the emotional journey of reconnecting with the father who raised her, only to lose him and then learn he wasn’t her biological dad. Her story unfolds with raw honesty as she navigates the shock of a DNA discovery, a hidden past, and the bittersweet truth of finding her biological father. Melanie can be reached via email [email protected] Mentioned:Linked here is Melanie's warm letter to her BF NPE Stories PatreonNPE Stories facebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/NPEstories

Devorah Lee, author of Taken from the Cradle, shares her journey of discovering she was a late-discovery adoptee (LDA) from a Jacksonville, FL, black market baby ring. She opens up about the shock, secrecy, and search for truth in her NPE experience.Devorah Lee can be reached via email [email protected] Mentioned:Taken From The Cradle: Unveiling a Black-Market Baby Ring; Conquering Walls to Unearth the Truth by Devorah LeeTaken From The Cradle WebsiteFraud in the Courts NPE Stories PatreonNPE Stories facebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/NPEstories

Lauren returns to the podcast five years after first sharing her story in Season 1, hoping others can learn from her journey as she reflects on what has unfolded since.Lauren can be reached via email [email protected] hear Lauren's origin story Episode 28 of NPE Stories listen here.NPE Stories PatreonNPE Stories facebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/NPEstories