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Family Medical History: Unknown/Adopted: How One Inquiry Led to Many Unexpected Discoveries
Knowing where you came from often determines who you are...
At the age of 46, Nancy Feldman knew how her doctor appointment would go. They would ask her about her family’s health history, and she would hear the doctor’s familiar sigh after she answered, “I don’t know, I’m adopted.”
Being perfectly happy with the loving family she had, Feldman never took an interest in finding her biological parents until diagnosed with a disease that she passed on to her son. Suddenly, Nancy’s lack of family history was affecting someone else.
Writing to the Nebraska Children’s Home Society for help, the adoption agency assigned Nancy’s case to Rebecca Crofoot. This began a 17-year journey between the two women who were determined to find information about a family that might not know, or want to know, Nancy existed.
Family Medical History: Unknown/Adopted is a heart-warming story of personal, medical, genealogical and emotional discovery.
At the age of 46, Nancy Feldman knew how her doctor appointment would go. They would ask her about her family’s health history, and she would hear the doctor’s familiar sigh after she answered, “I don’t know, I’m adopted.”
Being perfectly happy with the loving family she had, Feldman never took an interest in finding her biological parents until diagnosed with a disease that she passed on to her son. Suddenly, Nancy’s lack of family history was affecting someone else.
Writing to the Nebraska Children’s Home Society for help, the adoption agency assigned Nancy’s case to Rebecca Crofoot. This began a 17-year journey between the two women who were determined to find information about a family that might not know, or want to know, Nancy existed.
Family Medical History: Unknown/Adopted is a heart-warming story of personal, medical, genealogical and emotional discovery.
170 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
105 people are currently reading
408 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Kacirek Feldman
1 book14 followersNancy Kacirek Feldman was raised in Nebraska, Kansas, Illinois, and California. Now she lives in Oregon under magnificent trees with her husband and several pets. Always indebted to her adoring parents for the wonderful family life they provided; she hopes her story will be helpful to others.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 7, 2022
an adoptees memoir
I recently did ancestry and found 2 half sisters and a 1/2 brother. I have met with both sisters and each was a different experience. One was also placed for adoption by our birth mother. This book details many of the feelings I have had my entire life.
I recently did ancestry and found 2 half sisters and a 1/2 brother. I have met with both sisters and each was a different experience. One was also placed for adoption by our birth mother. This book details many of the feelings I have had my entire life.
September 30, 2014
Many adult adoptees know the pain of not knowing their family medical history and the awkward conversations that can be had at doctors offices when trying to explain that they were adopted. In fact medical history is a big reason why many adoptees search for their birth parents.
While this is not a particularly well written book (it tends to wander a bit) it does describe the process and the roller coaster of emotions that are involved with searching for your roots. Nancy tells most of the story from her perspective through narrative, letters, and emails. Becky, the social worker for the agency that Nancy was adopted through helps fill in some of the legal gaps and letting readers know what is normal and expected along the way. I thought this book was very well balanced and honest.
While this is not a particularly well written book (it tends to wander a bit) it does describe the process and the roller coaster of emotions that are involved with searching for your roots. Nancy tells most of the story from her perspective through narrative, letters, and emails. Becky, the social worker for the agency that Nancy was adopted through helps fill in some of the legal gaps and letting readers know what is normal and expected along the way. I thought this book was very well balanced and honest.
March 26, 2021
Nancy Kacirek Feldman always knew she was adopted, and never even wondered about her birth mother. Then in her 40's she had some medical problems and her doctor suggested it might be a good idea to search for her birth mother.
She wrote to the agency she had been adopted from, and ended up with a many-year correspondence with the social worker. Her mother was not interested in contact but they continued to track her. The rest of the story will be revealed if I say more, but it is an upbeat story with a happy ending.
She wrote to the agency she had been adopted from, and ended up with a many-year correspondence with the social worker. Her mother was not interested in contact but they continued to track her. The rest of the story will be revealed if I say more, but it is an upbeat story with a happy ending.
January 29, 2018
Interesting story, not a huge fan of the format
While this is a heartwarming story spanning many years, I wasn't a huge fan of the format. I find it somewhat slow and difficult to just read letters and especially emails back and forth. The pictures were very nice although black and white on Kindle. The book was available on Kindle Unlimited for free. If it was written differently I would have given it four stars.
While this is a heartwarming story spanning many years, I wasn't a huge fan of the format. I find it somewhat slow and difficult to just read letters and especially emails back and forth. The pictures were very nice although black and white on Kindle. The book was available on Kindle Unlimited for free. If it was written differently I would have given it four stars.
May 27, 2018
This book was ok. It's better written than many 2 star books (i.e., no errors), but it did not hold my interest. I think it might be more interesting to people who are first considering the issues involved in adoption searching. A lot of it was copies of correspondence between an adult adoptee, a caseworker, and a birth sister.
July 11, 2018
she was looking for her birth parents after having medical problems. the agency found the birth mom but she did not want to be in contact with her. she waited 16 yrs corresponding with the agency before the mom died and they were able to release the info. she contacted her half siblings and they wanted to meet her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2021
THERE NEEDS TO BE MORE BOOKS LIKE THIS ONE. SO THAT THE INSTITUTIONS UNDERSTAND WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO KNOW OUR HEALTH HISTORY IN ORDER TO SAVE LIVES. THANK YOU FOR WRITING THIS BOOK WE ARE LIVING IN A WORLD OF "IGNORANCE AND SHAME". THE NEED TO STOP LIVING IN THIS COUTURE. HOWEVER, IT IS BETTER TO GET EDUCATED ON THESE TOPICS SO WE CAN GET HEALTHIER TO GATHER.
May 26, 2020
Interesting read. Generally, I'm not a fan of books of letters, but in this case it works. The author is a warm and caring person and found myself hoping she would be successful in her search for the truth. This book (and author) is appealing. I read it in one sitting.
August 11, 2020
Adoption
This is not only a book about adoption. But also of the search for Nancy's birth Mother. Emotions are rampant in this book. This is a wonderful book to read not only for any adopted person but also any pregnant girl who is thinking of giving up her child.
This is not only a book about adoption. But also of the search for Nancy's birth Mother. Emotions are rampant in this book. This is a wonderful book to read not only for any adopted person but also any pregnant girl who is thinking of giving up her child.
February 7, 2018
Loved this book
Loved the book and how it matters to never give up. In the end all things will work out like it did in this story.
Loved the book and how it matters to never give up. In the end all things will work out like it did in this story.
January 28, 2019
Well done
As an adoptee, and a writer, I truly enjoyed this book. They did very well at keeping my interest and explaining the search process.
As an adoptee, and a writer, I truly enjoyed this book. They did very well at keeping my interest and explaining the search process.
June 21, 2022
FYI she I a long time friend.
The book reads much like she is in real life. Good personal stories about a long wait and incredible journey.
The book reads much like she is in real life. Good personal stories about a long wait and incredible journey.
June 12, 2016
Interesting Topic
As an adoptee who found her biological sister and birth mother at age 19, I can relate to many issues raised in this book. I would have enjoyed it more if I the writing style was different. While the emails and letters were interesting to a point, the book would have benefited from more text. She also just throws of out there that she was diagnosed with an illness and decided too find out her medical history. There was no explanation of what the condition was other than the name; I had to google or to see what it was, symptoms, severity etc. I think readers would connect more with the story is we knew how the condition impacted the author and her son, since this led to the whole search.
As an adoptee who found her biological sister and birth mother at age 19, I can relate to many issues raised in this book. I would have enjoyed it more if I the writing style was different. While the emails and letters were interesting to a point, the book would have benefited from more text. She also just throws of out there that she was diagnosed with an illness and decided too find out her medical history. There was no explanation of what the condition was other than the name; I had to google or to see what it was, symptoms, severity etc. I think readers would connect more with the story is we knew how the condition impacted the author and her son, since this led to the whole search.
November 6, 2016
Awesome read!
As an adopted person, born in 1940, I have probably 20 or more books on adoption and reunions. I probably bought this e-book six months ago. My own reunion story may still be written. This book is well written and one of the best I've ever read. Once starting it this morning, I could not put it down! Joy, hardships, determination, tears, and smiles, came from this book. When one grows up adopted, and as an adult, finds out that legally they can't have a family tree, it is a rude awakening!
As an adopted person, born in 1940, I have probably 20 or more books on adoption and reunions. I probably bought this e-book six months ago. My own reunion story may still be written. This book is well written and one of the best I've ever read. Once starting it this morning, I could not put it down! Joy, hardships, determination, tears, and smiles, came from this book. When one grows up adopted, and as an adult, finds out that legally they can't have a family tree, it is a rude awakening!
April 15, 2016
I recently learned some interesting family history that makes these kinds of stories more intriguing to me. I enjoyed reading about Nancy's experiences over about a 15 year period. I wish she could have connected with her birth mom, but it was great to see her "meet" her birth siblings. I felt as though I looked over her shoulder as she wrote letters, along with her case manager and birth sister.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2016
If you were adopted or gave a child up for adoption or are into genealogy like I am you will find this book useful. Story of a adopted girl who wants to find her real parents as she gets older. Her correspondence with a lady who worked at a place involving children given up and adopted out. The ins and outs of it all and what to expect or possibly feel at different stages of recovery.
February 6, 2016
Interesting story
I so enjoyed reading Nancy's story. She stuck with her search til she succeeded in her quest. So glad she found her family. Seems Rebecca was a wonderful person and was very helpful. I can only imagine what her birth mother went thru in 1949. Just sorry she wouldn't meet Nancy.
I so enjoyed reading Nancy's story. She stuck with her search til she succeeded in her quest. So glad she found her family. Seems Rebecca was a wonderful person and was very helpful. I can only imagine what her birth mother went thru in 1949. Just sorry she wouldn't meet Nancy.
February 28, 2016
This book documents the search for a birth family, and covers a lot of emotional territory. Well-told and somewhat interesting in places, it was not compelling, however, enough for me to finish reading it - except during odd, awake in the middle of the night time.
February 4, 2016
Heartfelt
I liked hearing of Nancy's experience and how she never gave up. It was hard not to get excited with her.
I liked hearing of Nancy's experience and how she never gave up. It was hard not to get excited with her.
February 12, 2016
What a wonderful story! Finding her biological family as a result of a medical issue. This book details nearly step by step the search and finally meeting siblings. Very enjoyable, uplifting story.
January 12, 2016
Excellent biographical and heart wrenching account of Ms. Feldman's search for her birth mother.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews