Between 1980 and 2018, the rate of twin births surged by 72%, though it remains a relatively rare occurrence. Currently, about 33 out of every 1,000 births result in twins. As for identical twins, they occur in just three to four births per 1,000, making them even rarer.
When 23-year-old Savannah Combs found out she was expecting twins, she was over the moon. However, her excitement quickly turned to mixed emotions when she discovered that both of her babies had Down syndrome, adding a unique twist to their journey.
This news was understandably overwhelming for Savannah and her husband, Justin Ackerman. They knew their daughters’ condition might invite judgment from others, but they were determined to embrace their family’s new chapter with love and strength.
Despite the challenges, Savannah sees her children as nothing short of extraordinary. “They have something very rare, but they are my little gems,” she told News4JAX.
Hailing from Middleburg, Florida, Savannah has shared her emotional journey on TikTok, documenting the birth of her twin daughters, Kennadi Rue and Mckenli Ackerman. Her story quickly resonated with many, and she gained a significant following.
In one heartfelt video, Savannah opened up about being advised by doctors to terminate her pregnancy, as they believed her babies wouldn’t survive. But Savannah chose hope over fear. “Every prenatal appointment where they were alive felt like a blessing to me,” she shared, reflecting on the challenging yet hopeful days leading up to her daughters’ birth.
At 29 weeks pregnant, Savannah was hospitalized and, with her husband Justin away at boot camp, delivered her identical twins on May 12, 2021. Despite the uncertainty, the twins fought through every obstacle, showing their incredible strength from the very beginning.
The twins arrived two months ahead of schedule, requiring a stay in the NICU for several weeks before they were strong enough to go home.
Savannah explained, “They’re known as mono-di twins, meaning each had their own amniotic sac but shared a placenta, which made them identical.”
“Mo-di twins are already rare, and when you factor in Down syndrome, the odds drop to about one in two million,” she added.
Despite their extraordinary circumstances, Savannah is quick to point out that, at the end of the day, her daughters are just like any other children. “They may be unique, but they are still my little girls,” she said with pride.
“They have emotions. They have hearts that beat. They can communicate. They can do things just like you. They will get there,” Savannah shared with unwavering confidence. “They might be a bit behind, but they will achieve it. I’ve learned that these kids are spirited and joyful.”
As her daughters reach new milestones, Savannah takes to TikTok to share their progress with her growing community.
“I want them to know that they are just like everyone else, and they will succeed as long as they set their minds to it,” she said, filled with hope for her girls’ future.
However, not everyone has been supportive. Some online critics have felt the need to pass judgment on Savannah and her family. One commenter even wrote, “I wouldn’t want those babies; if mine were like that, I’d put them up for adoption.”
Savannah, however, responded with grace and strength. She shared her response on Facebook: “It’s a good thing they weren’t born to you but to me. God knew exactly what He was doing by giving these babies to the right parents who would love them unconditionally.”
Her message of love and acceptance stands firm: “They are beautiful girls. Anyone who thinks otherwise is simply unkind. These children are some of the most precious and loving individuals out there!”
Savannah’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of love, compassion, and embracing the unique beauty of every individual. Please help spread this uplifting story by sharing it.