Surviving D.C. sextuplets finally get public support

Jet, Dec 29, 1997

An organization called Sisters in Touch was the first to help the Thompsons shortly after members heard about the birth of the sextuplets.

"We held letter-writing campaigns to car dealerships and baby-product companies, as well as fundraisers in order to help the Thompsons with their immediate needs," says Lynda Bugg, chair of Sisters in Touch.

Shortly after the birth of the McCaughey septuplets, someone called into several local radio stations and informed them there was a lady in the Washington, D.C., area who had six babies, and no one acknowledged her family. As a result, the community and other organizations came forward with donations.

The Thompsons, who had no previous children, wanted four children when they got married.

"I ended up getting more than enough, but I can handle it," Mrs. Thompson says as she laughs.

Three of the babies are sleeping through the night, but the other two stay up until about 4:00 a.m. "I don't know why they stay up. I guess they just want to see everything," says Jackie, a native of Trinidad, whose husband is from Guyana.

With all of the blessings that have been showered upon them, the Thompsons have another wish.

"What it is that we would really like most is for someone to give a scholarship toward the babies' education because that is one thing that we are really concerned about," Mrs. Thompson says, realizing that it will be virtually impossible to finance a college education for five simultaneously.

As for the best and worst thing about having sextuplets, well according to Mr. Thompson, there is no worst thing. "The best thing is having them all."

Although the Thompsons have been receiving donations, they are still very much in need of financial support.

There is a trust fund set up for the babies. Financial donations can be made to: The Thompson Sextuplet Fund, c/o The Community Foundation, 1112 16th Street, NW, Suite 340, Washington, D.C. 20036.

Bulk items such as canned goods, furniture, clothing, etc. can be sent to: The Thompson Sextuplet Fund, c/o The Mazique Parent Child Center, 1719 13th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20009.