We’re thrilled to announce the winner of our DNA Day “Unlock Your Story” contest! With an overwhelming response of over 700 entries, our team was moved by the incredible family mysteries and genealogical journeys shared by the GEDmatch community.
Grand Prize Winner: Christen M.
Our grand prize goes to Christen M. for their compelling story about uncovering their father’s adoption mystery and the ongoing search for his biological father.
Christen M.’s Story
For decades, a significant part of Christen M.’s family history remained shrouded in mystery. In 1968, their father was adopted as an infant, and while he was raised in a loving adoptive family, questions about his biological origins lingered throughout his life.
When DNA testing became more accessible, Christen M. took on the challenge of uncovering their family roots. Their persistence paid off in 2022 when they successfully connected with their father’s biological mother’s side of the family.
“It was an emotional and meaningful discovery that connected us with relatives we never knew existed,” Christen M. shares. “They shared stories, photos, and welcomed us with open arms, giving my dad a clearer picture of his origins and identity.”
However, the journey was only half complete. Uncovering information about their father’s biological father has proven much more challenging. DNA matches on the paternal side have been sparse and distant, making it difficult to establish clear connections. Despite numerous leads and research paths, this crucial piece of the family puzzle remains elusive.
“It has been a frustrating and emotional journey, as we are so close to completing the puzzle but still missing a crucial piece,” explains Christen M.
What makes this story particularly compelling is the determination to complete their family history despite the challenges. Even when faced with sealed records, incomplete information, and genealogical brick walls, Christen M. has demonstrated remarkable resilience and hope.
“This journey has taught us patience and persistence, and regardless of the outcome, it has already brought a sense of connection and healing to our family.”
It’s exactly this kind of perseverance and emotional connection that represents the heart of genetic genealogy research. The powerful combination of traditional records, DNA technology, and human determination can unlock stories that might otherwise remain hidden forever.
The Journey Continues
As our grand prize winner, Christen M. will receive a one-year GEDmatch Tier 1 subscription and a private consultation with a professional genealogist. This consultation will focus specifically on strategies for identifying biological fathers through DNA matching—exactly what’s needed to help solve the remaining half of their family mystery.
With GEDmatch’s premium tools and expert guidance, we’re hopeful that Christen M. will be able to overcome the challenges of sparse paternal matches and finally complete their father’s origin story. The advanced segment comparison and triangulation tools available in Tier 1 are particularly useful for cases with limited or distant matches, making connections visible that might otherwise be overlooked.
Runners-Up and Honorable Mentions
We’d also like to congratulate our runners-up, who will each receive a 6-month GEDmatch Tier 1 subscription:
- Edna M.
- Katherine H.
- Neil C.
Additionally, five participants received honorable mentions and 3-month GEDmatch Tier 1 subscriptions:
- John D.
- Makita W.
- Charlene S.
- Sally-Anne H.
- Karen L.
- Nancy W.
An Overwhelming Response
With over 700 entries, this contest showcased the incredible diversity of genealogical journeys within our community. From adoptees finding biological relatives to history enthusiasts uncovering long-forgotten family secrets, your stories demonstrated the power of genetic genealogy to transform our understanding of who we are and where we come from.
“Reading through the entries was both moving and inspiring,” says Tom, GEDmatch Product Manager. “The dedication our users show to uncovering their family histories reminds us why this work matters.”
Common themes emerged throughout the submissions:
- Family separations healed through DNA connections
- Mysteries spanning multiple generations finally solved
- Historical events viewed through the personal lens of family experience
- Adoptees discovering their biological origins
- Immigration stories clarified through genetic connections
Your Story Matters
While we could only select one grand prize winner, every story submitted represented a unique and valuable genealogical journey. To acknowledge everyone who participated, we’re offering all contest entrants a special opportunity to try GEDmatch Tier 1 for 30 days for just $1. Check your email for this exclusive offer!
If you missed our DNA Day webinar with Kitty Cooper, the recording is now available: https://youtu.be/bYFssB1i5ro. The session covers techniques for placing matches across different testing platforms and strategies for breaking through genealogical brick walls—perfect for addressing challenges similar to those described in many contest entries.
Stay Connected
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Thank you to everyone who participated in making our DNA Day celebration a success!
