Month: October 2024

Finding a biological parent can be a complex and emotional journey, but there are several steps and resources that can help you along the way:

Posted on by babregard15

Finding a biological parent is sometimes difficult, depending on how much information that you already have. Below is a list of tips that can help you in your search.

  1. DNA Testing: Start with an autosomal DNA test from companies like Ancestry, 23andMe, MyHeritage, or Family Tree DNA. These tests can connect you with potential relatives within 5-6 generations1.
  2. Adoption Registries: Register with adoption reunion registries such as Adopted.com or Search Angels. These platforms can match you with others who are also searching.
  3. Genealogy Research: Use traditional genealogy research methods. Websites like FamilySearch and MyHeritage offer tools and resources to build family trees and connect with relatives1.
  4. Social Media and Online Communities: Join online communities and social media groups focused on adoption and genealogy. These can provide support and potentially connect you with people who have similar experiences.
  5. Professional Help: Consider hiring a professional genealogist or a private investigator who specializes in adoption cases. They can provide expertise and resources that might not be readily available to you.
  6. Legal Records: Request your adoption records and any other legal documents that might contain information about your biological parents. This can include birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other public records2.
  7. Support Networks: Engage with support groups and counseling services to help you navigate the emotional aspects of your search.

Remember, this process can take time and may bring up a range of emotions. It’s important to be patient and seek support when needed. If you have questions or need help, contact me.

Storing Your DNA Sample with MyHeritage

Storing Your DNA Sample with MyHeritage

Posted on by babregard15
The following is an email that I received in reference to my raw DNA file. If you have a sample with MYHeritage you may want to think about its future and whether or not you want to pay them to continue to store it.
Our records indicate that you are the manager of the following MyHeritage DNA kit:
purchased on 2017-11-23, associated with you
When this DNA test was taken, the samples were sent to our lab in two vials. One vial was used for the DNA analysis, and the second vial was stored securely as backup, to allow reprocessing in the event of an error. The backup vial was stored securely at our expense, and never shared with anyone.

We’re reaching out to you to let you know that according to our lab storage procedures, we will soon destroy your backup vial stored at our lab.
However, we recognize the value of preserving DNA samples longer-term, in order to offer our customers potential testing opportunities in the future. For example, whole genome sequencing that can provide deep health insights useful to future generations in your family. To allow this useful optionality, we have created a new, one-of-a-kind MyHeritage BioBank service, through which MyHeritage will continue to securely store the backup vials, only for those customers interested, for a period of 10 more years. If and when new DNA products or services become available, we will also offer those services and analysis to customers who store their backup vial with our BioBank service, without the need to take a new test. The BioBank service also includes the option of mailing you back the original DNA sample via courier upon your request (subject to an additional shipping & processing fee).
Learn more
MyHeritage BioBank is now available for an introductory price of only $149 per sample. This is a one-time payment that covers the entire 10-year period. It does not auto-renew. It includes:Secure storage of one sample in the lab for 10 more yearsThe option to use the sample in a new DNA product or service offered by MyHeritage, without testing again, for example whole genome sequencing (subject to your consent and a separate product cost)The option to send back the sample to you (subject to an additional shipping & processing fee)MyHeritage is only a guardian of the DNA samples. It does not own them, it does not share them with others, and it will never process them unless you specifically authorize it.
Save your sample
If you are not interested in storing the backup vial, no further action is required on your part, we will automatically destroy it on December 31, 2024.
Best regards,
The MyHeritage team