On 19/11/1997, the McCaughey family in Iowa became the focus of global attention when they welcomed seven children into the world at once.

This marked the first septuplet birth worldwide where all the children survived the neonatal period. The babies were born 9 weeks prematurely, weighing between 900 grams and 1,8 kg. That year, President Bill Clinton called to congratulate the family.

7 children: Nathan, Brandon, Joel, Kenny Jr (boys) and Kelsey, Natalie, Alexis (girls) in 1998. Anh: Daily Mail

Kenny and Bobbi McCaughey faced a profound decision. Due to Bobbi's congenital pituitary gland dysfunction, they used fertility medication and unexpectedly conceived seven embryos. Despite advice to reduce the number of fetuses to ensure survival, the couple decided to keep all of them. "We believed our children were a gift", the mother said.

Following the extraordinary septuplet birth, the McCaughey family received widespread support across the United States. They were gifted a 512 m2 house, a car, and two years' worth of food and diapers. As the children grew, they received sponsored vacations to Disneyland and Majorca, appeared in advertisements and magazines, and were granted full scholarships to Hannibal-LaGrange University in Missouri.

28 years have passed, and the children now lead their own lives. Kenny stated he always tried to ensure his children were not affected by the spotlight of fame, limiting interviews to give them a peaceful childhood.

"I wanted my children to work hard and strive for themselves", he said.

The seven McCaughey children in 2003. Anh: Daily Mail

Among the seven siblings, Kenny Jr., the eldest brother, is now a carpenter living in Iowa with his wife Synthia and their first child, born in 2002. Brandon, the sixth child, chose a military career and is a sergeant in the US Army, married with two children. Natalie, the third, and Kelsey, the fourth, are both married. Natalie is a master's degree holder and a sports coach, while Kelsey works in media. Joel, the youngest sibling, pursued a career in cybersecurity.

Notably, the journeys of Alexis, the second child, and Nathan, the fifth child—both born with cerebral palsy—exemplify extraordinary resilience. Alexis graduated from university and became a preschool teacher. Nathan also works in technical support and lives independently in Des Moines.

As their children gradually left home, the McCaughey couple donated the house—the gift they received from benefactors years ago—to a charity supporting mothers in need. They moved into a smaller home, enjoying the happiness of caring for their five grandchildren.

The family at daughter Kelsey's wedding in 2020. Anh: Daily Mail

Annually, the extended family maintains their tradition of gathering on 19/11. Bobbi still cooks their favorite macaroni and cheese for her children. Reflecting on their nearly three-decade journey, the mother who once captivated the world shared: "28 years ago, people called us a miracle. Now looking at my children and grandchildren, I see that only love and perseverance can turn the impossible into reality."

Ngoc Ngan (According to Daily Mail)