News Story Helps Daughter Find Birth Mother After 27 Years
Mother and daughter reunite after 30 years of separation. A Google search and a news story transformed broken memories into fulfilled dreams. Heather Hellard grew up similar to many other little girls. She enjoyed birthday parties, time with friends and school activities. But there was one thing missing in Heather’s life—her birth mother.
Heather’s mother lost custody when Heather was a toddler. Medical reasons separated mother and daughter which forced Heather to be adopted by another family. Heather did not want for anything growing up except to know what had happened to her birth mother. She spent years looking for her until one day she decided it was time to ramp up her efforts.
“I have a baby and I really wanted to find my mom,” she said. “I Googled her, and would get on Google to search her name, but nothing ever seemed to come up.”
After endless searching, Heather received a big break. She discovered a KIMA story about violence and in the video she saw her mother’s picture.
“I think I probably watched the video 100 times,” she said. “I think I know every frame of it.”
Heather contacted KIMA to help her find her mother, Anita Lewis. KIMA found Anita and set up a webcam in its newsroom and watched as mother and daughter reunited after 30 years.
“I love you so much Heather,” said Anita.
“I love you too mom.”
“I’m going through so many emotions it’s not even funny,” Anita said. “Wow, I’m a mom and a grandma on top of it.”
Anita and her grateful daughter are excited over the changes ahead and the chance to create new memories. Anita has made plans to move to Oklahoma to be close to her daughter and her grandchildren.