A life-changing discovery unfolded for Katherine Valerio, a 33-year-old woman born in France but raised in Luxembourg, when she decided to take a DNA test “just for fun” back in 2019. The results not only upended her understanding of her identity but also led her on an emotional journey that connected her with a long-lost family and heritage she had always felt drawn to—Egypt.
Valerio, the third of ten children, grew up believing she was 100 percent Portuguese. Her family dynamic was unique, especially since most of her siblings were blonde with blue eyes, while she often stood out. People would jokingly refer to her as the “mailman’s daughter,” hinting at her distinct appearance. Despite this, her fascination with Egypt began at just five years old and never faded.
When she received her DNA test results on her birthday, they revealed something shocking: she was only 22.9 percent Portuguese. Instead, the test showed she was 58.4 percent Egyptian, 14.1 percent South Italian, and 4.6 percent Algerian. Initially, she dismissed the findings, unable to process what they meant.
It wasn’t until March 2022 that everything changed. After posting a warning on TikTok advising others to be prepared emotionally before taking a DNA test, Valerio found herself contacted by a woman claiming to be her cousin and who knew her biological father. This revelation unearthed a secret her mother had kept for over 30 years—a truth about her origins that shook Valerio’s world.
The emotional fallout strained her relationship with her mother, bringing feelings of betrayal, anger, sadness, and confusion. Yet, over time, Valerio tried to understand her mother’s perspective, recognizing that fear and difficult circumstances might have shaped her choices.
Despite the pain, Valerio discovered a deep connection to a family and culture she had always felt an inexplicable bond with. Tragically, her biological father, Moustapha, had passed away before she learned the truth, closing a door she never got to open.
In June 2022, Valerio traveled to Paris to meet her newfound uncle—Moustapha’s brother—and his family. Seeing her own features reflected in them was both magical and surreal. Raised Catholic, she suddenly found herself surrounded by Muslim relatives wearing veils, stepping into a completely unfamiliar world.
Her story resonated deeply on TikTok, where users shared their own experiences of identity discoveries through DNA testing. Some related to her longing to belong, while others marveled at how genetics could reveal hidden truths.
Reflecting on her journey, Valerio acknowledged it has been a rollercoaster, yet ultimately healing. Meeting her Egyptian family gave her a sense of belonging she didn’t know she was missing. She emphasized that DNA is more than just facts—it tells powerful stories capable of transforming lives. Though her relationship with her original family remains complex, her world has expanded in ways she never imagined.
