June 21, 2016
One in a million: COE alum has rare identical triplets
Congratulations to ECU College of Education alum Gavin Fradel and his family on their 
newest addition–a rare identical set of triplet girls. The May 2016 graduate earned a master of arts in teaching in science education online and lives in Wake Forest, NC. In 2004, he graduated with a bachelor of science in middle grades education. Fradel is currently a teacher at Franklin Academy Middle School in Wake Forest.
By WSOC-TV/WFTV-9-ABC
WAKE FOREST, N.C. — A Wake Forest family recently welcomed natural identical triplet girls, a 1-in-a-million phenomenon.
Grace, Stella, and Emily were born to Kimberly and Gavin Fradel about a month ago, Channel 9’s partners WTVD reported.
The parents said they wanted to give their 2-year-old son, Gavin Jr, a sibling and were initially overwhelmed when they found out he would gain three.
“[The doctor] had a look on her face and I said ‘Well, what’s wrong?’ I could tell something was wrong, and she said, ‘I think you’re having multiples. I think you’re having triplets,’ and my first response was ‘Oh God no, please God no,’ and then she said ‘And I think they’re identical,’” Kimberly told WTVD.
The couple realized they could handle the extra blessings when their friends and family reassured them that they’d be there to help. They also said having understanding employers made a difference.
Gavin Sr. was taking online classes at East Carolina University when Kimberly found out she was pregnant.
His graduation was set for the day after the triplets were born, and Kimberly encouraged him to walk across the stage.
Gavin Sr. said that life with triplets can sometimes be like an “assembly line,” but it’s rewarding to see how the babies have already bonded with each other.
To tell each one apart, the couple paint the girls’ toenails a different color. Each also has a birthmark, but in a different place.
Gavin Jr. was a little taken aback by three girls entering his home.
“When we got home from the hospital … as soon as he saw them he said ‘Daddy, take them back,’ and he said it twice,” Gavin Sr. said. “I have no idea where he even got those words from or where he started saying that, but that was his first reaction, and it was hilarious. It was funny.”
The couple said Gavin Jr. quickly changed his attitude toward his sisters.
“He always kisses his sisters. He helps with bottles. He’s very patient. He’s just a really good, protective big brother and I believe all four of them are going to have unique gifts and a love for each other that will take care for each other for the rest of their lives,” Kimberly said.
Original story: Rare identical triplets born to North Carolina family