My name is Donna and I am an adoptee. In March of 1992, when I located my birthmother, I was informed of a strong family history of ovarian cancer. This information was NOT known at the time I was placed in 1956. To have this knowledge today could possibly save my life, my daughter's life, and the lives of generations to come. By the grace of God, we are all healthy.

The confidentiality laws of adoption have made reunions a very difficult process. It took more than twenty years for me to locate my birthmother. We had a wonderful reunion and our relationship continues today. On several occassions, my two mothers have met and enjoyed eachother's company. I feel that we have all gained from our reunion. I believe that reunions can be a very healthy experience. However, for every happy ending, there are stories that are equally tragic. The decision to seek a reunion (or not) is a very personal and individual choice.

CARMI provides a means for adoptees and birthparents to exchange medical information and/or a message, whether or not they wish to meet. Unlike "mutual consent" registries, registering information with CARMI does not imply seeking to be reuninted. All information is treated with confidentiality. Identifying information will ONLY be released by written consent.