Triplets who nearly died at birth are now proud college graduates

Nearly two decades after doctors warned they might not survive their birth, triplets Gabriel, Janelle and Ethanael Morency have graduated from Oakwood University, an HBCU in Huntsville, Alabama. Their mother says the moment feels like a blessing after years of uncertainty.

Defying The Odds

Martine Morency told local news outlet WAFF that doctors urged her to reduce her pregnancy because of the “high likelihood” that all three of her babies wouldn’t survive.

She recalled being told that triplet pregnancies “don’t usually come to fruition” and that she should consider fetal reduction. The family refused  relying on faith and hope.

The triplets were born at 30 weeks and three days, defying the grim prognosis.

Morency Triplets On Finding Their Own Paths at an HBCU

During their years at Oakwood University, the siblings pursued different majors, built their own friend groups and developed their own identities.

Janelle said college helped them grow independently.

“When we got to college… we really got to grow on our own, find our own independence, our own identity,” she told WAFF.

Gabriel said it was “interesting” to watch each sibling become their own person. Ethanael said their bond remained strong. “Before we had anybody else, there were our siblings.”

Morency Triplets: Three Siblings, Three Futures

The triplets are now heading into three different fields:

• Janelle plans to pursue trauma surgery.
• Ethanael is entering a cybersecurity master’s program.
• Gabriel will study electrical engineering at Johns Hopkins University.

A Mother’s Gratitude After a Long Journey

Their mother said watching them reach this milestone feels like a gift after doctors once doubted they would survive.

“We have watched them grow and mature. Do all the things that man said was probably going to be impossible,” she told WAFF.

The family says the triplets’ journey, from a high‑risk birth to three HBCU degrees, is a testament to perseverance, faith and the power of refusing to give up.