New Mexico Man Finds His Biological Family After 50 Years Thanks to Wife's Gift: I'm 'Finally Getting My Chance'

Mar. 15, 2025

A New Mexico man has reunited with members of his biological family for the first time since they were separated 50 years ago.Daryl Perez took a 23andMe test in February 2024, knowing he was adopted as a child, according toABC affiliate KOAT.He had previously been skeptical about taking the test but opted to do so after receiving one as a gift from his wife, Amy, for Valentine’s Day.Two weeks later, Daryl learned he had been matched with a man in El Paso, Texas. Then, he found out that it was his biological brother.The two eventually had a conversation over the phone, during which Daryl learned he also had a sister. “My emotions were through the roof,” Daryl recalled.Later, Daryl learned that his biological mother was also alive and living in El Paso.Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.Daryl has since had a chance to meet his family members in person, according to KOAT.The news stationshared a videoof Daryl dancing to music with his mom.Meanwhile, Amy says her husband is now “a different person” because of the experience.“He’s a better person,” she explained. “I saw his whole demeanor change as soon as he met his family.”Meanwhile, Daryl is still relishing the moment. “I never got a chance to be a good kid,” he explained. “And now I feel like finally getting my chance to show my mom that this is me.”

A New Mexico man has reunited with members of his biological family for the first time since they were separated 50 years ago.

Daryl Perez took a 23andMe test in February 2024, knowing he was adopted as a child, according toABC affiliate KOAT.

He had previously been skeptical about taking the test but opted to do so after receiving one as a gift from his wife, Amy, for Valentine’s Day.

Two weeks later, Daryl learned he had been matched with a man in El Paso, Texas. Then, he found out that it was his biological brother.

The two eventually had a conversation over the phone, during which Daryl learned he also had a sister. “My emotions were through the roof,” Daryl recalled.

Later, Daryl learned that his biological mother was also alive and living in El Paso.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Daryl has since had a chance to meet his family members in person, according to KOAT.

The news stationshared a videoof Daryl dancing to music with his mom.

Meanwhile, Amy says her husband is now “a different person” because of the experience.

“He’s a better person,” she explained. “I saw his whole demeanor change as soon as he met his family.”

Meanwhile, Daryl is still relishing the moment. “I never got a chance to be a good kid,” he explained. “And now I feel like finally getting my chance to show my mom that this is me.”

source: people.com