The power of DNA

The Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Orlando is hosting a Zoom meeting on Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. about DNA and the surprises discovered through DNA testing.

Put “DNA testing surprises” into your search engine, and you get almost 7 million results. A Pew Research Center survey in 2019 found that about 15 percent of U.S. adults have used a mail-in DNA testing service. Of those, about a quarter said they learned about close relatives they didn’t know they had — in other words, a DNA surprise.

This program is about one of those surprises when a donor’s family member sends in a DNA sample to a service to get a better understanding of their genealogy. Initially, the DNA test returned with no shocking results but with a deeper appreciation for their ancestry. Then, however, in the summer of 2021, a notification alert appeared with a message from a stranger. This message will be the spark that unites two families on an unexpected journey through their past and forms a new branch of their future.

Ted Chesner and Danielle Casamento will share their parallel stories, what it was like to meet for the first time, and the challenges posed within their respective families. Secrets will be revealed, hearts will be melt, and for Ted and Danielle, a DNA surprise that resulted in them both saying, “I’m glad I found you.”

Registration is required for this meeting. Go to eventbrite.com to register.

A link to access the Zoom meeting will be sent a few days before the meeting.