Reuniting Families in New Zealand: MyHeritage’s DNA Quest Success Story
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Two New Zealanders who lived only miles apart were stunned to learn they shared DNA through MyHeritage DNA tests, giving birth to two half-siblings who finally met in an emotional DNA Quest reunion.
Terry Smith of Whakatane, New Zealand never knew who his biological father was; when his mother refused to reveal any information on this front, Terry took matters into his own hands by uploading his DNA test results onto MyHeritage.
Susan Butler, 52, who lived about an hour from Terry in New Zealand, soon applied to participate in MyHeritage’s DNA Quest project – an initiative launched earlier this year which seeks to reconnect birth families separated through adoption or other circumstances. Although Susan knew both of her birth parents well enough already, she believed there could be half-siblings somewhere out there too.
An emotional reunion
Susan was delighted to discover a close match named Terry Smith among her results, so she shared his mother’s information with her father who confirmed having been with her but not knowing that their child resulted. Thus, Susan discovered she had a half-brother; Terry learned the identity of his father as well as that of an unknown half-sister; and their father discovered they now had a son! Watch their emotional reunion below.
About DNA Quest
Tens of thousands of adoptees and others separated from birth families have taken MyHeritage DNA tests as part of DNA Quest, and even announced they would provide DNA tests to families separated at the US border. Applications to participate have now closed but you can join their waiting list on their website – plus purchase one yourself!
