A genetic question

September 4, 2008

Hi everyone,

I'm new here and have been reading many of the posts. It is so nice to hear of others in the same situation.

I am an adoptee born in 1969, I have not formally searched for my birthparents-just looked around at the registries and stuff.

My question is...my oldest son received a tentative diagnosis of Marfan syndrome, which is a genetic disorder. You may have heard of it...tall people with long fingers toes and armspan. There are many other ramifications with the disorder-eye, heart, aorta problems as well as many skeletal disorders.

My son's physician has put him on beta blockers as a precaution, because he has enough of the symptoms to cause great concern, however we don't have any history on my side and it doesn't seem to come from my son's father's side.

I was adopted out of Missouri into Illinois through Catholic Charities and I know my records are sealed. My question is my sons possible (probable) condition enough to unseal the records?

I would appreciate any and all insight into this

Thank you

Monica

"In all of us there is a hunger, narrow and deep, to know our heritage, to know who we are and where we have come from. Without this enriching knowledge, there is a hollow yearning. No matter what our attainments in life, there is a vacuum, an emptiness and a most disquieting loneliness!" - Alex Haley, Author

FAYE56

September 5, 2008

Hi thefunnyfarm9

I don't know Missouri or Illinois Law, but I would think that his condition would be sufficient - it also depends on the feelings of the Judge who hears your motion.

If you approached your motion stating his genetic condition and your concerns for his future health as well as your concerns for your other children and your birth siblings and their children, it may work.

I was treated for colon cancer here in N.J. the Judge gave me her name and origin off the record. I had petitioned for my original birth certificate and when it wasn't in the file, I guess the Judge figured if he gave me the information off the record then he couldn't be held accountable by the State or Catholic Charities for unsealing the records.

The Judge did state that had I presented my Petition strictly on "curiosity" he never would've met with me.

When you contact the Surrogate Court/Court where the adoption took place, don't let them deter you.

Good Luck - I hope all works out for your son and family