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Lives Less Ordinary

The DNA request that revealed my child had gone missing

Feb 3, 2025
Cathy Terkanian, a retired nurse, embarked on a heart-wrenching journey after receiving a letter revealing that her long-lost daughter, Alexis, was missing. As she unraveled disturbing details surrounding her daughter's fate, including her adoptive father's potential involvement, Cathy's determination turned her into a sleuth. She reflects on her painful past while fighting for answers over a decade. Her relentless quest for the truth has been shaped into a documentary, highlighting both her love and the complexities of seeking justice.
37:37

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Cathy Terkanian's painful journey began with a letter revealing her daughter Alexis was missing, reigniting a decade-long quest for answers.
  • Through relentless investigation and collaboration with sleuths, Cathy uncovered alarming details about her daughter's adoptive father, which heightened her pursuit for justice.

Deep dives

A Letter of Hope Turned Tragic

Kathy Dukanian received a long-awaited letter from Virginia's Department of Social Services, which she hoped would lead her to her daughter, Alexis, whom she had given up for adoption. Instead, the letter revealed that a young woman's body was discovered in Wisconsin, prompting authorities to seek her DNA for comparison. This shocking news stirred a whirlwind of emotions as Kathy learned her daughter was missing, reigniting her decade-long search for answers. The identification process soon began, marking a significant but haunting turning point in Kathy's quest for closure.

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