Not Parent Expected (NPE): The Untethering & My Own Story

Last year, Maggie Chenard (aka “The Mindful NPE”) received ancestry testing as a gift from her adult children. Her results were not at all what she was expecting. She now identifies as an NPE (Not Parent Expected). She also learned that her ancestry is 50% Ashkenazi Jewish. This led her to find and participate in The BRCA Founder Outreach (BFOR) Study, which offers individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry genetic testing for the three BRCA mutations common in this population. Already a meditator, Maggie found that staying in the present moment and being mindful helped her to process her experience with less pain. She started The Mindful NPE social media accounts to support others going through similar experiences, promoting self compassion, acceptance and community for NPEs. Connect with The Mindful NPE on Social Media On Twitter: @themindfulNPE On Instagram: @themindfulNPE On Facebook Other Related Resources BFOR Study Watershed DNA: Genetic counseling services focused on genealogy and ancestry Have thoughts or a related story you’d like to share? Leave us a short voice message here! We may use your message on a future show. Check out other Patient Stories podcast episodes. Read other Patient Stories on the Grey Genetics Patient Stories Page. Do you want to support Patient Stories? You can now make a donation online! Want to support Patient Stories in a non-monetary way? Leave us a review on iTunes, or share your favorite episodes on Social Media. Patient Stories on Twitter: @GreyGeneticsPod Patient Stories on Instagram: @patientstoriespodcast Are you looking for genetic counseling? Patient Stories is sponsored by Grey Genetics, an independent telehealth genetic counseling and consulting company. Book an appointment with a genetic counselor specialized in your area of concern. All genetic counseling appointments take place over secure, HIPAA-compliant video-conferencing or by phone. Not quite ready for genetic counseling but still looking for guidance? Check out our new family history review services here.