Every year in the United States, around 135,000 children begin a new life through adoption.
For many of them, the identity of their biological parents remains hidden due to state restrictions. But in Pennsylvania, a change in the law opened a door that would reunite a mother and son after 35 years of separation.
Stacey Faix was just 15 when she made the heartbreaking decision to place her newborn son for adoption.
With few options available, she chose what she believed would give him a better future, parting ways without even a final embrace. For decades, she lived with the belief that she would never see him again.
That child, named Stephen Strawn, grew up, served in the military, and eventually settled in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Though he lived a full life, he never stopped wondering about the woman who gave him life. Sadly, a flood had destroyed his birth records, leaving him with no clear path to find her.
Then, in 2017, Pennsylvania introduced a new law allowing adoptees to request their original birth certificates.
With this opportunity, Stephen finally obtained the name he had longed to know: Stacey Faix, living in Ohio.
Turning to social media, he searched for her online and sent a tentative message through Facebook: “Hey, I have a really weird question. Did you put a baby boy up for adoption in 1982?”
The reply came swiftly—and changed everything. Stacey answered simply, “Yes.”
As they continued talking, an incredible coincidence came to light. Both were active members of Team RWB, a veterans support group, and both were preparing to run in the upcoming Pittsburgh Half Marathon.
Stephen saw the chance for a powerful, in-person reunion—and began planning a surprise.
With the help of Team RWB’s Pittsburgh chapter, he orchestrated the moment carefully.
On race day, Stephen waited out of sight in a portable toilet to avoid being seen too soon. Just before the marathon began, he handed Stacey a card that read, “13,075 days have passed since you last saw me.”
As Stacey read the words, Stephen appeared behind her.
She turned and saw her son for the first time in 35 years. Without hesitation, she embraced him in a hug that had been waiting a lifetime.
But the emotional day didn’t end there. Stephen also met his biological sisters for the first time, deepening the joy of the reunion.
After the marathon, the reunited family gathered for a celebratory cookout and began making plans for more time together.
Their story, covered by local media, inspired many and carried a clear message from Stacey: never give up hope.
Their reunion was a powerful reminder that family ties, no matter how long separated, can be renewed.
