BFFs who learned they were sisters after taking a DNA test, find out they also have a biological brother

Love, resilience, and heartfelt connections often extend beyond blood relations. While family feuds often make headlines, stories of enduring friendships remind us of the power of unconditional bonds. Such is the case for two co-workers who met in 2013 at a Connecticut restaurant. Their friendship deepened over the years and ultimately transformed into something extraordinary when they discovered they were biological siblings. Recently, the pair received yet another incredible surprise: they reunited with a long-lost brother, as first reported by PEOPLE. Julia Tinetti, who shares updates on Instagram as @peacebethejourney250, confirmed the discovery of their biological sibling.

It started with 35-year-old Cassandra Madison discovering the special relationship she shared with her co-worker, Tinetti, at the Russian Lady Bar in New Haven, Connecticut, per PEOPLE. After knowing each other for almost a decade, during which they noted their many similarities, she went ahead with a 23andMe DNA test which revealed that her colleague was actually her biological sister. Recently, they discovered that they have one more sibling; Madison’s childhood friend, Thomas Buonaguirio.

The sisters underwent another DNA test to reach a conclusion. Calling it a “crazy” experience, Tinetti told the outlet, “As soon as I saw him [Buonaguirio], I was like, 'Oh my God, that's me with a beard.' This whole story has been wild. I didn’t think it could get any crazier.” Notably, Madison and Buonaguirio reportedly first met during their time at a local elementary school. The childhood buddies lived close to each other, with their houses just 15 minutes apart.

Both were adopted from the Dominican Republic. Someone from Madison’s adoption agency suggested she and Buonaguirio might be linked, but Madison remained uncertain for decades. “Nobody had proof that we were brother and sister,” she said, per the outlet. Similarly, Madison and Tinetti's reunion took an unexpected turn when their paperwork didn't initially match.

However, they finally met their biological father, Adriano Luna, a resident of the Dominican Republic, in March 2019. Before this, the two co-workers had bonded closely at work, often referring to each other as "twins." Their strong connection intrigued their colleagues, who suspected their bond was more than just friendship. In the spring, after losing contact with her childhood friend, Madison's husband reminded her of the issue, prompting her to reach out to Buonaguirio again. They reconnected via social media, and Madison brought up the idea of a DNA test during their conversation.

“I was like, ‘Let’s just put this thing to rest,’” Madison recalled. After the test results came back positive, Buonaguirio, a 31-year-old mechanic based in Hutto, Texas, said, “Of course, I was intrigued. It was kind of a roller coaster of emotions.” Meanwhile, Tinetti recently congratulated Buonaguirio on becoming the father of a newborn baby boy, and they both agreed to meet soon.

You can follow Julia Tinetti (peacebethejourney250) on Instagram for wholesome and lifestyle content.