Shelly Lee's Story

Growing up Heather was always given the confusing narrative that her dad didn’t want her. She recently changed her last name to her proper surname, after finding and establishing a relationship with her biological father. Heather can be reached via email [email protected] Stories PatreonNPE Stories facebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/NPEstories

Gina's (Gigi’s) parents were beloved and she didn’t understand a lot of her parents' behavior until later in life. Many secrets were kept by her family members and the DNA Angels were able to help her figure out more about her paternal family. Gina can be reached by email [email protected] Mentioned:DNA Angels - a nonprofit search angel organization dedicated to the assistance of individuals seeking to identify their biological parent(s) using DNA interpretation.NPE Stories PatreonNPE Stories facebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/NPEstories

Stella had to deal with her NPE revelation and a horrible death all while trying to keep it a secret from her biological father. Four years later Stella shares where she is currently at in her NPE story today. Resources Mentioned:Dr. Michele Grethel looking to interview NPEs, LDAs, DCPs and their family members. For more information, contact Dr. Grethel at [email protected] or 917-797-5608.NPE Stories PatreonNPE Stories facebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/NPEstories

Content Warning: This episode contains accounts of child abuse and violence.Caroline was essentially an orphan at a young age and always felt ostracized by her sisters. Many of her family members knew the secret of her true paternity and participated in keeping this information from her. Caroline is still struggling with this betrayal as she starts to learn more about her biological father's side of the family.Caroline can be reached on facebook at Caroline Sorg Vance ChampionNPE Stories PatreonNPE Stories facebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/NPEstories

Bertrice took a DNA test to help a family member, and ended up finding a close family friend in her DNA matches. Since finding out she was an NPE during Covid to losing her husband this last year Bertrice's life has changed drastically. Bertrice chooses to remain anonymous but wanted to share her NPE story. NPE Stories PatreonNPE Stories facebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/NPEstories

Nicole lost both her parents in a short period of time, and then after getting into genealogy to honor her father's passing, she found out she was an NPE in the worst way. Nicole went through a few therapists until she found one that she really resonated and felt safe with.Nicole can be reached via email at [email protected] Mentioned:DNA PainterWho Even Am I Anymore: A Process Journal For the Adoptee, Late Discovery Adoptee, Donor Conceived, NPE, and MPE Community a process journal by Eve SturgesNPE* A story guide for unexpected DNA discoveries: (*a non-paternity event - when 'Dad' is not your biological father)by Leeanne R Hay NPE Stories PatreonNPE Stories facebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/NPEstories

Lauren LoGiudice is a comedian that identifies as a misfit, and is also a donor-conceived person with a couple hundred estimated siblings. Lauren can be reached at laurenlogi.comLauren's Podcast Misfits Makin' ItResources Mentioned:Untangling Our RootsNPE Stories PatreonNPE Stories facebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/NPEstories

Shirley discovered through DNA tests that her entire biological family was different from the one she had known all her life, leading her to become a private detective so that she could uncover her true origins. Shirley can be reached via email [email protected]: shirleymunoznewson_authorFacebook: shirleymunoznewson.comResources Mentioned:Untangling Our RootsDon Anderson's Missing Pieces - NPE LifeThe Little Dark One: A True Story of Switched at Birth by Shirley Munoz-NewsonNPE Stories PatreonNPE Stories facebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/NPEstories

Shelly is part of a great little NPE community called the NoMi Girls who meet in Northern Michigan regularly.  She had a traumatic childhood and has put a lot of work into healing, including EMDR and support groups, but Shelly says this experience has changed her a lot.Shelly can be reached via email [email protected] Mentioned:Untangling Our RootsLauren LoGiudiceDon Anderson's Missing Pieces - NPE LifeHiraeth Hope & Healing RetreatsNPE Stories PatreonNPE Stories facebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/NPEstories

Kris took a DNA test along with many of her family members and saw that she did not have DNA in common with her birth certificate father. She hid her profile online and has chosen, at this point, not to discuss this with her dad. Kris can be reached via email [email protected] Mentioned:Untangling Our Roots SummitHigh Conflict InstituteHiraeth Hope & HealingEve Sturges NPE Stories PatreonNPE Stories facebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/NPEstories