Richard Lorenc and his mother Vivian Wheeler , a bearded lady who has appeared in sideshows on and off throughout her life , were recently reunited after 33 years.
DNA tests were preformed on both Wheeler and Lorenc , which may offer indisputable proof that they are indeed mother and son . The results will be shared on 'The Maury Show.'
"It'll be nice to give this story some resolution , there will be no wondering with the DNA test , said Paul Faulhaber , executive producer of "The Maury Show , it truly is closure ."
Wheeler is thrilled about the trip , which she'll make from her home in Bakerfield ,California , by train. "I want everyone to know I have found my son instead of wondering if he's alive or dead," she said . "I'm very happy I have found my son . Most people that have their children kidnapped never see them again." She hopes her story also lead to a visit with Dr. Oz and a book about her remarkable life.
For Lorenc , it's been an overwhelming experience . Not only did he just learn after 33 years his mother has an 11-inch beard and was born a hermaphrodite , but now he's the star of a minor media circus with magazines and radio stations calling for interviews.
"How did they find my cell number ? That's crazy," he said. "As long as we don't have a bunch of news vans outside my door , I don't think it's going to be much of an issue ."
"The Maury Show' will be taping Vivian Wheeler and RichardLorenc's story this wek . It will be their second reunion. Fortunately, he's surrounded with support . His wife , who made the initial call to Wheeler , may make the trip to "The Maury Show" with him. "She made a few phones calls and e-mails , I didn't do it . It really made a difference . I'm thankful for that," Lorenc said.
Lorenc's adoptive parents have been equally supportive , even helping with the costs of his visit to Wheeler's home this past June . "It really meant a lot to me knowing I had their blessing ," Lorenc said. "Sometimes that just doesn't happen. They could've disowned me.
It's certainly helped him deal with the incredible unexpectedness of the story and accept all the details . Now, despite Wheeler's beard , he just hopes "The Maury Show" doesn't turn it into a sideshow. "Vivian is used to that -- but they're going to keep a serious tone , treating it as more of a newsworthy reunion ," Lorenc said. "As long as it's like that , it'll go really smoothy ."
Faulhaber intends to do just that : We are extremely excited to tell this story to America and to our viewers . The beginning is incredible , the middle is as compelling as it gets , and hopefully the end is a happy ending.
****Here's hoping that Wheeler and Lorenc (mother and son ) will get to know each other and enjoy the rest of their lives together.
