The likelihood of giving birth to twins has increased by 72% between 1980 and 2018, but it remains a rare occurrence. Out of every 1,000 births, only about 33 result in twins. Even more extraordinary is the chance of having identical twins—just three or four per 1,000 births.
For 23-year-old Savannah Combs, the news of being pregnant with twins was thrilling. But her journey took an even more unique turn when she discovered both twins had Down syndrome—a condition so rare it’s almost one in two million for identical twins. Savannah, who lives in Middleburg, Florida, was overjoyed despite the emotional weight of the diagnosis. She and her husband, Justin Ackerman, knew they might face judgment, but Savannah saw her daughters as nothing short of precious gifts.
“It’s very rare what they have, but they’ve been my little gems,” Savannah shared on TikTok, where her story quickly gained attention. She documented her pregnancy and life with her daughters, Kennadi Rue and Mckenli Ackerman, on the platform, captivating viewers with her positivity and resilience.
In one emotional video, Savannah revealed she was advised to terminate her pregnancy because doctors believed the twins might not survive. But Savannah chose to keep them, cherishing each prenatal appointment as a blessing. At just 29 weeks, she delivered her daughters on May 12, 2021. Born prematurely, the twins spent several weeks in the NICU before finally going home.
The twins, identified as mono-di twins (each had their own amniotic sac but shared the same placenta), are incredibly rare. Adding their shared Down syndrome diagnosis made their case nearly one in two million. Despite their condition, Savannah emphasizes that her daughters are just like any other children.
“They have feelings. They have a beating heart. They know how to talk. They know how to do things you do. It might take them a step longer, but they’ll get there,” Savannah explained. “These kids are feisty little things and happy little things.”
As Kennadi and Mckenli continue to reach developmental milestones, Savannah regularly updates her TikTok followers with adorable moments from their lives. Her message to her daughters is one of empowerment: “I’m going to let them know that they’re just like us, and they’ll achieve anything as long as they put their minds to it.”
However, not everyone has been supportive. Savannah has faced criticism from insensitive social media users, some of whom have made cruel comments about her decision to raise her daughters. One person even told her, “I wouldn’t want those babies; if mine came out like that, they’d be straight up for adoption.” Savannah’s response was perfect: “Good thing they weren’t born to you and were born to me. God knew what He was doing by giving these babies to the right parents who would love them regardless.”
Savannah’s unwavering love and advocacy for her daughters highlight the beauty of acceptance and the joy that comes from embracing life’s challenges. Her story reminds us of the value of every life and the strength of a mother’s love.
Please share this heartwarming story to spread awareness and celebrate the strength of this incredible family.
