CENTRE, Ala. (NewsNation Now) — An 81-year-old Alabama man met a brother he didn’t know he had after taking a DNA test.
Until his daughter convinced John Saffa to take a DNA test in December, he was never aware he had any siblings or relatives because he was placed for adoption as a young child. The results were surprising.
“I never thought this was ever going to happen,” Saffa told NewsNation affiliate WIAT.
Saffa discovered he had a younger brother in Arizona, Tom Moore, along with seven nephews and one niece.
Moore, 71, and Saffa talked on the phone for months before connecting in person. Due to Saffa’s inability to fly for health reasons, Moore flew to Alabama.
“Once I booked the ticket, I knew I was coming and I knew we were going to see each other,” Moore said.
Both said their love for sports, like baseball, helped create an immediate connection, though they don’t cheer for the same team.
“Now, he’s an Arizona fan and I’m a Braves fan. I won’t hold that against him,” Saffa joked.
NewsNation affiliate WIAT contributed to this report.