Latest news with #Valerio
Newsweek
06-07-2025
- General
- Newsweek
Millennial Woman Gets DNA Test 'Just for Fun'—Then Come Explosive Results
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A woman born in France but always deeply connected to Egypt couldn't believe what unfolded when she took a DNA test "just for fun." Katherine Valerio (@jusst_kate), 33, whose family moved to Luxembourg when she was young, is the third of 10 children. She had always believed she was 100 percent Portuguese—until an online DNA test in 2019 revealed otherwise, delivering life-changing results on her birthday. "I never truly felt a sense of belonging within my family, in some ways, I've always been very physically different from everyone else," Valerio told Newsweek. "I was always fascinated and obsessed with everything related to Egypt since I was 5." Unlike most of her siblings, who are blonde with blue eyes, Valerio said people often joked that she was the mailman's daughter. Her curiosity eventually led her to take a DNA test. A split image of Katherine Valerio showing when she was a child in the 90s and now. A split image of Katherine Valerio showing when she was a child in the 90s and now. @jusst_kate/@jusst_kate "I received the results on my birthday, and I was pretty surprised: I always thought I was 100 percent Portuguese, but the ethnic percentages showing up on my screen didn't reflect that at all... 'Only 22 percent? There must be a mistake!' I didn't try to understand it, I just went on with my life as if nothing had happened," she said. Her DNA results revealed she was 58.4 percent Egyptian, 22.9 percent Portuguese, 14.1 percent South Italian, and 4.6 percent Algerian. For a while, Valerio chose to ignore the results—but in March 2022, everything changed. She posted a warning on TikTok advising others not to take a DNA test unless they were mentally prepared for what might come. The video struck a chord, racking up 12,500 likes and nearly 500,000 views. Shortly after, she began receiving messages from a woman who claimed to be her first cousin—and who knew Valerio's biological father. The woman was Egyptian and lived in Abu Dhabi. "That's when I found out that my mother had kept a secret for 30 years—a story she never intended to share with anyone, especially not with me," she said. "My relationship with my mother has been complicated since I found out. I won't lie, I went through a mix of anger, sadness, and confusion. I felt betrayed, mostly because this wasn't just any secret... it was my entire identity. But with time, I've tried to understand her perspective. I know her choices were shaped by fear and circumstances I may never fully grasp." Katherine Valerio's DNA results. Katherine Valerio's DNA results. @jusst_kate/@jusst_kate But despite the emotional upheaval, Valerio found something beautiful: a connection to a family and culture she had always felt drawn to. "It's incredible how two people from completely different cultures, deciding to take the same DNA test 'just for fun,' led me to discover that the man I thought was my father isn't and that I have an entirely new Muslim family in Egypt, with siblings and cousins I resemble so much," she said. Tragically, her biological father, Moustapha, had passed away by the time she learned the truth. "I asked if he knew about me, and she gently told me that he had died a few years ago. That was really hard. It felt like a door had closed before I even knew it existed. I'll never get to ask him questions or hear his version of the story—that's a grief I'm still processing," she said. In June 2022, Valerio flew to Paris to meet Moustapha's brother—her uncle—along with his wife and their children. "I look so much like them that I could barely tell myself apart in the photos we took together. It was magical, but so surreal. I couldn't quite grasp what was happening to all of us—it felt like something out of a Netflix series. I was raised Catholic and knew nothing about the Muslim religion, and suddenly I have a veiled sister, veiled aunts, veiled cousins—I was stepping into a world completely unfamiliar to me," she said. The story resonated widely on TikTok, with users sharing their own experiences and reactions. "Sounds a tiny bit like my story. Little girl I moved to a place where a lot of Portuguese families were also living. Fell in love with a beautiful Portuguese boy. My best friend was Portuguese. I wanted so much to be Portuguese in secret, knowing that I did not know my biological father. Few years ago, I did a DNA test hoping to find my biological father or at least someone close to him. But I got was a half-sister on my mom's side that no one knew about. By the way, many years back, my mom finally told me who was my father, and he was indeed Portuguese!" wrote one user. "Your face and features are screaming Egypt—not any part of Middle East but Egypt. Wonderful how genetics works," said another. "You saying you were obsessed with ancient Egypt is interesting! I didn't know a ton about my father's family and got obsessed for a year with Steinbeck's books in Salinas. Learned my father's side were founding dairy farmers of Salinas Valley years later," shared Jade. "Not me crying here on a Monday morning watching this TikTok and seeing your other TikToks and finding out you reconnected with your Egyptian family and owning your culture," another added. Reflecting on the journey, Valerio shared how it has impacted her life. "As for how I feel now... it's still a rollercoaster, but I think I'm more grounded. Meeting my Egyptian family has been healing in ways I didn't expect. There's something so powerful about seeing your face in someone else's, it gave me a sense of belonging I didn't know I was missing. At the same time, I still feel love for the family I grew up with, even if we're different in many ways. It's not a clean break, it's more like my world just expanded. "DNA doesn't just give you facts, it gives you stories. And some of them can change your life," she concluded.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
Pope Leo XIV's fitness trainer reveals his workout routine
After the death of his predecessor, Pope Francis, and amid much curiosity about who would lead the Catholic Church next, the papal conclave elected Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV. It's difficult to believe, before the white smoke rose over the Vatican, Robert Prevost was just another regular gym-goer blending in with the morning crowd. Before he became Pope Leo XIV, Chicago-born Robert Prevost was just 'Robert' to the staff of Omega Gym in Rome's upscale Prati district. He was a quiet, and courteous gym member who showed up in modest sportswear, worked hard, smiled often - always positive about things, and never once hinted at his powerful role inside the Vatican. When Prevost's name was announced as the new pope, Valerio Masella, his 26-year-old personal trainer who had spent two years working with him, was beyond shocked. 'When he appeared at the window in St. Peter's Square, I recognized him immediately. I couldn't believe it! I trained the new Pontiff. To me, he was just a client like any other," Valerio told Italian newspaper Il Messaggero. While Prevost who's originally from Peru and arrived in Rome in 2023 to lead the Vatican's Dicastery for Bishops, inside the Omega Gym, no one knew him as a cardinal. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Top 25 Most Beautiful Women In The World Articles Vally Undo 'I thought he was a teacher or an academic,' Valerio told the outlet. 'He was intelligent, reserved, and never talked about his job. But Pope? I never imagined.' Valerio also talked about the workout routine of Prevost. Maintained a consistent schedule The future Pope was quite dedicated when it came to working out and regularly trained two to three times a week. He always arrived in the morning with a warm demeanor and was dedicated to her fitness routine. 'He maintained a consistent training schedule,' Valerio was quoted as saying by Associated Press. 'Always friendly, always smiling, but very reserved.' Here are details about his workouts: 1. Aerobic warm-up Valerio revealed Pope's training session always began with cardio. He would either prefer a brisk walk on the treadmill or an intense ride on a stationary bike. The trainer further revealed that his favorite treadmill faced a mural featuring iconic Roman landmarks including St. Peter's Basilica. The warm-up helped improve his endurance, boost circulation, and prepare the body for strength work. Benefits of brisk walking: It not only helps maintain weight, it also improves cardiovascular health, energy levels, and reduces stress. Benefits of stationary bike: It is excellent for building cardiovascular endurance while being gentle on the joints. It also strengthens the lower body, particularly the quads, hamstrings, and calves, through consistent resistance training. 'We'd start slow and then go pretty strong,' Valerio noted. 'Especially on the bike—he liked resistance. It was like a steep climb.' 2. Muscle strengthening and postural training After the cardio, Pope Leo XIV focused on strength and stability using resistance bands, dumbbells, and bodyweight exercises. His training targeted the core, back, and shoulders - the key muscle groups essential for posture and mobility. 'For his age, he stands out for his resistance and healthy body composition,' said Valerio. 'He was in excellent physical shape.' 3. Tennis Apart from regular gym sessions, Pope Leo XIV also loved playing tennis. From time to time, he would rally on a court with a stunning view of the dome of St. Peter's. Tennis has long been a favorite pastime for Pope Leo XIV, who views the sport as both physical exercise and a way to cultivate patience and focus. He has described himself as an amateur tennis player, previously. Recently, in his meeting with the Italian tennis player Jannik Sinner, a few days after he was elected, he confessed that he wouldn't want to face a match with the world number one. Pope Leo XIV isn't the first sporty pope. John Paul II famously hiked and skied. Now as Pope, his commitment to health and discipline is sure to inspire many to stay fit, focused, and resilient, both in body and spirit. Pope Leo XIV Prays For Gaza In First General Audience, Thousands Gather At Vatican One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Al Etihad
16-04-2025
- Sport
- Al Etihad
Ninth Abu Dhabi Extreme kicks off in Paris with participation of top global martial arts stars
16 Apr 2025 17:42 ABU DHABI (WAM)The ninth edition of Abu Dhabi Extreme (ADXC), a premier global event for jiu-jitsu and grappling, kicks off this week in the French capital Paris with the participation of top-tier athletes from France and event features a series of activities leading up to the main fights. It begins with a press conference on April 17 to unveil key event details and present the top contenders, followed by official weigh-ins on April main fights are scheduled for April 19 at the iconic Dojo de Paris venue. A final press conference will follow the matches to present the results and championship holds a special place on France's martial arts calendar, offering combat sports fans the opportunity to witness high-level professional bouts held under the Abu Dhabi banner, further reinforcing the emirate's leadership in the global development of these Paris edition continues the success of previous tournaments, particularly last year's highly attended event which received extensive media coverage, positioning France as a key destination for this international Valerio, Chief Operating Officer at International Vision Sports Management, confirmed that preparations have reached their final stage, with lighting systems, live broadcast technology, and electronic refereeing fully set up to ensure a top-tier experience for both athletes and emphasised that the organising committee is committed to delivering an exceptional edition that reflects the evolution of the championship and Abu Dhabi's growing stature in the global martial arts eyes will be on the main bout between French Olympic judo champion Gillion Chane and Bellator veteran DeBlauw Tjouti, in one of the most anticipated matchups of the fight card also includes several renowned names from the combat sports scene, including:• Reda Mebtouche, 2022 European Jiu-Jitsu bronze medalist, who will face Italy's Amin Aoun• Nicolas Renier, a three-time ADCC Europe champion, set to clash with Brazilian standout Peter Frank• Frederic 'Lili' Tala, 2024 blue belt world champion, taking on veteran Asare• Anthony de Oliveira, European champion and 2024 World bronze medalist in wrestling, set to face Brazilian Gabriel Souza• Stephanie Caroline Faure, 2024 World bronze medalist, who will meet Tamara Torres• Aurélie Le Vern, one of France's most decorated female fighters across multiple belt divisions, will battle Finland's Simola The strong turnout of elite French and international athletes underscores the prestigious reputation Abu Dhabi Extreme has achieved, and the vital role Abu Dhabi plays in advancing jiu-jitsu, grappling, and mixed martial arts globally.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group announces 2025 Free Hand Surgery Day
(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group (CSOG) will host its 2025 Free Hand Surgery Day on Saturday, May 3. The CSOG Hand & Upper Extremity Center will be hosting the free hand surgery day as part of the American Society for Surgery's Helping Hands Project. 'This initiative is dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate surgical care to individuals in our community who are uninsured or rely on Medicaid as their primary insurance,' according to a CSOG press release sent by Marketing Manager Chelsey Valerio. and will close on Sunday, April 13, at 11:59 p.m. 'By offering this Free Hand Surgery Day including treatment to injuries of the hand, wrists, fingers, and elbows, CSOG aims to restore strength and function to the hardworking hands of our local community, helping individuals regain their independence and return to the activities they love,' Valerio wrote. Dr. Jeffry Watson, CSOG Orthopedic Hand Surgeon, and Valerio joined FOX21's Craig Coffey on Tuesday morning, March 18, to talk about the free hand surgery day and what qualified patients can expect. 'It's an opportunity to offer surgical care to the upper extremities to patients who have access issues,' said Dr. Watson. Those who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to register as soon as possible at the link above. 'Qualified patients will receive expert surgical treatment from CSOG's team of fellowship-trained hand surgeons, along with access to post-operative rehabilitation support to ensure optimal recovery,' according to Valerio. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Chicago Tribune
03-03-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Crete-Monee, TF South teachers named finalists for Golden Apple Award
When Crete-Monee High School Principal Lamont Holifield noticed longtime history teacher Sarah Valerio lose passion for teaching history four years ago, he knew she needed a change. 'After you've been teaching for a long time … you kind of end up losing that motivation that led you into the profession in the first place,' Holifield said in an interview Monday. Holifield said he put Valerio in charge of a nascent program aimed at preparing interested students for teaching careers, in part to help reignite her own excitement for teaching. He also knew she would be good at it. While continuing to teach AP U.S. history, Valerio has tripled the size of the Education Pathway program, hoping to combat a national teacher shortage and prepare students for a simultaneously difficult and rewarding career. Valerio's efforts led Holifield to nominate her for the 2025 Golden Apple Awards, of which she is one of 30 finalists. 'We have a lot of people who are in the classroom doing their thing,' Holifield said. 'But is it about them or about the kids? With Sarah, I see it being about the kids.' Another Golden Apple finalist, working at Thornton Fractional South High School about 15 miles away, is Spanish language teacher Jordan Oliva. In his fifth year of teaching in District 215, Oliva has already created spaces to help foreign language students feel more connected and recognized. Oliva was drawn to teaching while attending Shepard High School in Palos Hills, through a program not unlike the one Valerio runs at Crete-Monee. 'They placed me in a Spanish classroom, and it was amazing,' Oliva said. 'That's where I was like, 'yeah, I think this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.'' Oliva himself is Mexican and grew up speaking Spanish. As a teacher in Lansing, he has prioritized creating opportunities to encourage pride in his and other cultures for students of all backgrounds to appreciate. 'I want them to feel comfortable in whatever skin they're in, to be able to express their love for not only their culture, but for other cultures as well,' Oliva said. Oliva said his proudest achievement as a teacher is his ability to connect with students and make them feel valued in their accomplishments. Last year, he formed a Spanish Honor Society to celebrate 'the kids that are sometimes not seen.' Participation in the group provides graduation honors and activities for students who are in their third year of a Spanish class and have maintained 3.5 GPA or above in their Spanish classes. 'These are the kids who maybe really excel at language, but they're really not good at math or they're really not good at English, for whatever reason,' Oliva said. 'These are the kids that are really only going to get recognized if we have this type of recognition.' Valerio said she also feels grateful to be making an impact on the students she leads and to continue building out the program that 'reminds me that 'yes, this is what I want to do.'' She said she hopes to create more opportunities for students to intern in classrooms in the grades they hope to teach. Valerio also said she also feels grateful to Holifield and other high school teachers for supporting her and the students in her program. 'It is a school effort,' Valerio said. 'There is no way I could do this on my own.' The Golden Apple Foundation is an Illinois nonprofit that aims to honor and retain educators 'who advance educational opportunities for students,' according to the organization's website. Recipients are expected to be named next month and will receive a cash award of $10,000, $5,000 of which will go to a project of their choosing.
