Rae Reilly’s Adoption Story on Doin’ It With Ethan
Posted on Mar 21, 2011 by ethan in Human Interest
I first heard about Rae Reilly from my friend Elie’s sister Kelly and brother-in-law Jon. Kelly and Jon had seen Rae and her Dad, ESPN sports commentator Rick Reilly, tell their story about adoption at a conference in Denver. I then read Rick’s incredible article in Time magazine about returning to Korea when Rae was just 11 years old to find her birth mother. I loved the article and wanted to talk to Rae in person. So I did. She’s now 21 years old and is a singer-songwriter and attends USC. Watch Rae tell her own story of this defining moment in her life.
This is Part 1 of 2. Come back next week for the conclusion of this heartbreaking story!
Ethan,
What a touching story. What courage it took both Rae and her adoptive family to embark on this journey. I have to admit that I did tear up a little when Rae said she knew it was her birthmother who had walked into the coffee shop. Great piece and I cannot wait for the rest of it!
Johnny
Wow. How gorgeous! I can’t wait for the rest.
ethan, i think you do such a great job with the human interest stories – you have a natural ability to make the person you’re talking to feel comfortable. i love seeing you be your vivacious fun self, but this segment was really amazing in a whole different way. you’re a real oprah.