Stony Brook, N.Y. – Back in 1997, the six Boniello babies set a U.S. record for the longest sextuplet pregnancy – 29 weeks and one day. Each weighed barely 2 pounds.
A lot has changed in 10 years. The four sisters and two brothers are now healthy, thriving fourth-graders with their own personalities, from the soccer player to the knitter to the tomboy who loves to climb trees.
On Thursday, they all celebrated their birthday at Stony Brook University, in whose hospital they were born and where they all have been promised full-ride college scholarships. Six cakes were presented to Trifon Robert, Olivia Fredericka, Sabrina Juliet, Gerard Martin, Sophia Betty and Stella Raquel.
“They’ve been blessed,” said their mother, Beverly, 37. “They have no health issues; it’s amazing.”
Premature sextuplets such as the Boniellos can be at risk for developmental or neurological problems.
“The fact that these six children appear to be quite normal, and according to their parents there’s no substantive difficulties in school that’s apparent, I think is really phenomenal,” said Dr. Richard Fine of the Stony Brook University Hospital.
The kids are just like any others their age, their parents said.
Trifon likes soccer, Sophia bowls, Gerard takes piano lessons, Sabrina did gymnastics, Olivia likes knitting.
“And Stella is … she’s a bit of a tomboy,” said their father, Rocco. “She’ll be wearing a dress and have a purse on hanging upside-down from a tree or digging in rocks all day.”
Acting as the spokesman for his siblings, Trifon – technically the oldest – stood on tiptoes at a podium to address members of the media gathered for the celebration. Their birthday was March 24.
“My family and I are glad to be here and thanks for the scholarships,” he said shyly.
When asked later what it’s like to have so many siblings, Trifon confessed: “It’s tiring, because I don’t know who to play with.”
Rocco Boniello, a technician with Verizon, said the $100,000-plus scholarship offer – made by Stony Brook president Shirley Strum Kenny after the births – is something he already appreciates. “I’m not going to lie; this helps considerably,” he said. “A family of seven in New York today, it’s really tight.”
Yes, seven. When the sextuplets were about 4, their mother gave birth to another little girl, Nadia.
