Adopted from Russia: Kian's Story of Identity, Loss, and Learning About His Roots

Kian Lafford was adopted from Omsk, Russia in September 2007. He later received the name Kian after being adopted into an Irish family. Growing up in a small town in Ireland with a large Eastern European community made it easier for Kian to be open about his adoption and his background growing up. In January 2024, his adoptive mother passed away from a brain tumour. In reflecting on that loss, Kian began to see an unexpected connection between grief and adoption. Since then, Kian decided to try learn more through DNA testing. While it did not provide all the answers he was hoping for, he was able to learn more about his genetic background and learn more about where he comes from. Kian joins us for our latest podcast episode of I’m Adopted.