The Incredible Story of the Kaplan Septuplets – 20 Years Later
“You think having twins is hard?”
Imagine raising seven babies at once. That’s exactly what Henry and Sarah Kaplan did. In a historic moment, the Kaplans welcomed the first surviving septuplets into the world, instantly becoming media darlings and a symbol of hope.
Their story wasn’t just about a miraculous birth. It was about love, resilience, and the extraordinary bond of family.
A Love Against All Odds
Henry, a life insurance administrator, and Sarah, a life insurance advisor, met through work. Who says insurance can’t be romantic? Despite Sarah’s family opposing the relationship—fearing Henry was irresponsible and reckless—love triumphed. They married and celebrated a dream honeymoon in the Caribbean.
But starting a family proved difficult. For years, Sarah struggled to conceive. Then, devastating news: Henry had partial infertility, and their chances of having children were slim.
A Miracle in Winter
On a cold winter morning, while at the clinic for routine tests, Sarah received shocking news—she was pregnant. Overwhelmed with emotion, she called Henry, who was busy at work at a car insurance firm. He was stunned—and thrilled.
As the pregnancy progressed, the real surprise came: they weren’t expecting just one child—they were having septuplets. The chances of naturally conceiving identical septuplets were 1 in 200 million.
Seven Lives in Six Minutes
In the seventh month, Sarah went into early labor. The birth took just six minutes. The result? Seven tiny miracles. But their joy was quickly tempered by the massive responsibility ahead.
Raising septuplets wasn’t easy. Soon after the birth, Henry lost his job. Unable to cope, he turned to alcohol, eventually abandoning Sarah and the children—leaving her to raise them alone.
The Community Rallies Behind Sarah
Sarah’s story gained national attention. Her employer doubled her salary and gave her a financial loan. The city’s governor intervened, granting the family a stipend. County programs covered the children’s medical, education, and living costs.
Donations poured in—baby supplies, equipment, and essentials. Major insurance firms and local organizations stood behind her.
Sarah became a symbol of strength. She was featured in leading newspapers and TV programs, celebrated for her unwavering devotion.
20 Years Later: Where Are They Now?
Two decades have passed. The once-tiny miracles are now adults forging their own paths:
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Kelsey – Public Relations major
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Alexis – Early Childhood Education
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Natalie – Exercise Science
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Joel & Nathan – Computer Information Systems
All five attend Hannibal-LaGrange University in Missouri, which awarded them full scholarships at birth. -
Kenny Jr. – Lives at home in Iowa, attending vocational school
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Brandon – Serves in the U.S. Army and is currently deployed
Their birthdays are now quieter affairs, filled with laughter and homecoming joy—not bar tabs and chaos, as Sarah jokes.
A New Chapter for Sarah
Sarah sold their seven-bedroom home to a Christian ministry supporting young mothers and downsized to a three-bedroom house in Runnells. She is now a grandmother to 1-year-old Aiden, son of her eldest daughter, Mikayla.
“The love is the same,” Sarah says. “But the responsibility is different. I get to enjoy the fun parts without raising him.”
Two of the septuplets—Natalie and Brandon—are engaged and planning weddings, continuing the family legacy of love and resilience.
Looking Back, Looking Forward
Despite the betrayal and hardship, Sarah holds no resentment.
“I forgive him,” she says of Henry. “What matters is that I got to raise these beautiful children and watch them grow into incredible people.”
As they prepare to celebrate a shared birthday and Thanksgiving together, Natalie says it best:
“We’re not just siblings—we’re best friends. And we’re thankful for every part of our journey.”