Marina was born in Staryi Krym, Crimea, and later adopted from an orphanage in Simferopol by her Italian parents. She grew up in Italy, gradually learning more about her roots in Crimea — but it wasn’t until later that she began to connect more deeply with her birth family.We caught up with her as part of our Where Are They Now segments — updates from those who shared their stories in our An Adoption Story series. Since sharing her story, Marina has also started therapy, which has been helping her navigate her relationships with both her parents and birth family.

You can also watch this as a video on YouTube on Alex Gilbert's YouTube Channel along with her original full story.

Simulcast from our An Adoption Story series. Victor was adopted as a young boy and came to Auckland, New Zealand, when he was just four years old. Born in the town of Velikiye Luki in western Russia, his journey began with many unknowns.Now a science teacher and photographer in Christchurch, Victor has built a life full of curiosity, creativity, and meaningful connections in New Zealand. Alongside his everyday life, he continues a deeply personal and emotional journey — that lifelong search for answers about his birth mother.This is his story.

Simulcast from our An Adoption Story series. Valentina always knew she was adopted but never knew her history. When motherhood takes her on an unexpected journey into discovering her past. What follows is a remarkable story of heartbreak, forgiveness and an incredible reunion with a long lost sibling. This is her story.