Jason Banwart's journey to reconnect with his biological roots began with a simple suggestion from his wife: complete a 23andMe DNA test. Growing up with an adopted mother, Banwart was curious about his family's health history but never anticipated the life-changing outcome that awaited him.
His biological mother, Kimberly Ramos, had similar fleeting thoughts about her son over the years, given their closed adoption. However, after 43 years of wondering, the DNA test finally brought them together. Banwart and Ramos were reunited for the first time, and Medium Rare in Baltimore played a pivotal role in making their Mother's Day brunch a memorable family gathering.
Reflecting on the reunion, Banwart shared, "When I found Kim, it filled a hole in my heart that I didn’t even know was there and just made a completeness to my life that I didn’t even know I was looking for."
Their emotional meeting in February 2023 was marked by overwhelming joy as Banwart lifted Ramos off the ground in a heartfelt embrace.
Over the past year, Ramos worked tirelessly to arrange a meeting between Banwart and his half-sister, Sarah York, who resides in New York. This long-awaited family gathering finally came to fruition, thanks to the generous efforts of Mark Bucher, co-owner of Medium Rare.
Bucher, inspired by a mission to reunite families, collaborated with 23andMe to orchestrate this heartwarming Mother's Day celebration. He sponsored flights for the families from Missouri and Florida, while York traveled south from New York to join the festivities.
Ramos expressed profound gratitude, stating, "I am more blessed than anyone should be allowed to be blessed because I have my families all together now."
The newly reunited families have remained connected through frequent phone and video calls, nurturing their relationships and eagerly anticipating future celebrations together.
Bucher, deeply moved by the experience, shared, "When we can reunite moms and kids, and I have anything to do with it, that’s what we’re trying to do here."
Surrounded by balloons and love, Ramos remarked on her radiant joy, saying, "We have more love in our family than ever before."
This heartwarming reunion not only brought closure and joy to Banwart and Ramos but also expanded their family circle with newfound bonds and cherished memories.
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Photo: Getty