The World’s First Surviving Septuplets Turn 26: A Look at Their Incredible Journey

Back in 1997, the world watched in awe as Kenny and Bobbi McCaughey from Iowa welcomed the first-ever surviving set of septuplets. Born nine weeks ahead of schedule, these seven tiny miracles made global headlines and instantly became a symbol of hope and wonder.

Kenny Jr., Alexis, Natalie, Kelsey, Nathan, Brandon, and Joel were the talk of every news outlet. The McCaugheys appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show to celebrate the babies’ first birthday—each child had their own cake—and even met then-President Bill Clinton.

Raising seven newborns, plus their older daughter Mikayla, was no easy task. According to Obsev.com, the babies went through an astonishing 52 diapers and 42 bottles daily. Thankfully, kind-hearted individuals and companies stepped in to help. The family received generous donations, including a 5,500-square-foot home, a van, a year’s supply of macaroni and cheese from Kraft, two years’ worth of diapers, and full college scholarships to any state university in Iowa.

Despite the help, Kenny and Bobbi remained humble and resourceful, even growing their own vegetables to cut costs. Life was a constant balancing act, filled with both challenges and blessings.

Two of the septuplets, Alexis and Nathan, were diagnosed with cerebral palsy early on and required walkers for mobility. In 2005, Nathan underwent back surgery that improved his movement—he later learned to walk without any assistance.

Years flew by, and the seven siblings thrived. They graduated high school and pursued higher education, each taking their own path. Natalie, Kelsey, Nathan, and Joel accepted scholarships to Hannibal-LaGrange University in Missouri. Kenny and Alexis stayed local, enrolling at Des Moines Area Community College, while Brandon chose to serve his country in the U.S. Army.

College life gave them something they’d never really experienced before—independence. “Growing up, we were always together. Whatever we did, we did it as one group,” Kelsey shared with the Herald-Whig. “Going away to school helped us grow into our own people.”

Older sister Mikayla married in 2015, making the septuplets proud aunts and uncles. Natalie tied the knot in 2019, followed shortly by Brandon the same year. Today, Natalie dreams of becoming an athletic trainer, while Alexis—who majored in early childhood education—hopes to teach at an elementary school. Alexis also shines in pageantry, having won the 2013 Teen Miss Dreams Made True competition for individuals with special needs.

Nathan and Joel share a love for technology. Both majored in computer information systems, and Joel aspires to join Google’s cybersecurity team one day. “Having six siblings who are also your best friends—it’s the best thing ever,” Natalie told Today.

From fragile preemies to accomplished young adults, the McCaughey septuplets have grown into independent, compassionate, and inspiring individuals. Their journey proves that miracles don’t just happen once—they keep growing, learning, and shining brighter with time.