In 1997, Kenny and Bobbi McCaughey of Iowa, U.S. made history when they welcomed the world’s first surviving septuplets.
The birth of these remarkable infants, born nine weeks early, made global headlines, drawing immense media attention as the new parents received countless interview requests.
They eventually appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show to mark their first birthday, where each was given their own cake. They also had the opportunity to meet former President Bill Clinton.
According to Obesev.com, the infants went through approximately 52 diapers and consumed 42 bottles of milk daily.
The couple received numerous donations to support their growing family, including a 5,500-square-foot home, a van, a year’s supply of Kraft macaroni and cheese, two years’ worth of diapers, and full college scholarships to any state university in Iowa, according to reports.
Their parents continued working tirelessly to cut down expenses while raising eight children and even began growing their own vegetables.
Alexis and Nathan, two of the septuplets, were diagnosed with cerebral palsy and needed walkers for mobility. In 2005, Nathan underwent back surgery to enhance his ability to walk and later taught himself to move independently without a walker.
After graduating high school, all the septuplets pursued higher education. Natalie, Kelsey, Nathan, and Joel accepted scholarships to attend Hannibal-LaGrange University, a private institution in Hannibal, Missouri.
Kenny and Alexis opted to stay closer to home, enrolling at Des Moines Area Community College, while Brandon chose to serve by enlisting in the United States Army.
The siblings, who completed college this spring, shared that the experience gave them their first real sense of independence.
Kelsey mentioned that attending college has been a transformative journey for the siblings, as it allowed all five to experience true independence for the first time.
“Growing up, we were always together,” Kelsey shared with the interviewer
“Whatever we did, wherever we went, we were always together,” added Kelsey, who earned a degree in public relations and now aspires to work in the media industry.
“I believe attending HLGU allowed us to gain independence, explore our unique talents, and truly focus on our passions and career goals. We’re not just known as the septuplets—we’re growing into individuals with our own identities.”
Their older sister, Mikayla, married in 2015, making the septuplets first-time aunts and uncles with the arrival of her son. Natalie was the first among them to tie the knot in May 2019, followed by Brandon, who married four months later.
Natalie shared that she now plans to pursue graduate school to become an athletic trainer
Alexis pursued a degree in early childhood education and hopes to teach at an elementary school. She has also excelled in beauty pageants for individuals with special needs, winning the Teen Miss Dreams Made True title in 2013.
Nathan is studying computer information systems alongside his brother Joel, who aspires to work in Google’s cybersecurity division. Meanwhile, Nathan has a passion for assembling and building computers.
“Having six siblings means we’re not just the same age—we’re also best friends,” Natalie shared with Today. “We’re truly grateful for the bond we share.
These seven siblings are truly miracle babies, and it’s heartwarming to see them thriving and succeeding in life.
Wishing them endless success and happiness in whatever path they choose. If this story inspires you, don’t forget to share!
