In 1997, the world watched in awe as Bobbi and Kenny McCaughey welcomed the first surviving set of septuplets in Des Moines, Iowa. Now, as they celebrate their 27th birthday, the McCaughey siblings reflect on their unique journey and the paths they’ve forged as adults.
Born nine weeks prematurely on November 19, 1997, the septuplets—Kenny Jr., Alexis, Natalie, Kelsey, Nathan, Brandon, and Joel—captivated global audiences. Their arrival was a medical marvel, leading to widespread media coverage and support from well-wishers worldwide. The family received numerous donations, including a spacious home and essential supplies, to assist in raising the seven infants alongside their older sister, Mikayla.
Among the siblings, Alexis and Nathan were diagnosed with cerebral palsy early in life. Despite the physical challenges, both demonstrated remarkable determination. Nathan underwent back surgery in 2005, which significantly improved his mobility, allowing him to walk without assistance. Alexis, showcasing her resilience, participated in and won several beauty pageants for individuals with special needs, including the Teen Miss Dreams Made True pageant in 2013.
Education played a pivotal role in the septuplets’ development. After graduating from Carlisle High School in 2016, Natalie, Kelsey, Nathan, and Joel accepted scholarships to attend Hannibal-LaGrange University in Missouri. Kenny and Alexis chose to stay closer to home, enrolling at Des Moines Area Community College, while Brandon pursued a career in the U.S. Army.
As of their 25th birthday, the siblings had embarked on diverse career paths:
- Brandon: Serving as a sergeant in the U.S. Army, married to Alana, and father to a daughter, Ellie.
- Kenny: Working as a cabinet maker in Dallas Center, Iowa, married to Synthia, with a child expected in late November 2022.
- Natalie: Pursuing a master’s degree in athletic training at Culver-Stockton College in Missouri, married to Shawn Geralds.
- Kelsey: Employed as a receptionist at a medical office, residing in Hannibal, Missouri, with her husband, Kevin Morrison.
- Joel: IT professional at Emerson Electric in Marshalltown, Iowa, living with his parents in Runnells.
- Alexis: Working at Altoona Kids World after earning a liberal arts degree, also residing with her parents.
- Nathan: IT specialist at Wellmark in Des Moines.
In 2018, with the children pursuing their individual paths, Bobbi and Kenny McCaughey sold their 5,500-square-foot family home to Ruth Harbor, a nonprofit organization supporting young women with unplanned pregnancies. The residence now serves as a sanctuary, providing housing and support to young mothers, ensuring the McCaughey family’s legacy of community support continues.
As the McCaughey septuplets celebrate their 27th birthday, they exemplify resilience, unity, and individual growth. From their miraculous birth to their current endeavors, their story continues to inspire many around the globe.
Note: This article incorporates information up to November 2022. For the most current updates on the McCaughey septuplets, please refer to recent sources.
