Did you know that twin pregnancies are still quite uncommon? Despite a 72% increase in likelihood between 1980 and 2018, twins are only born in about 33 out of every 1,000 births. And what about identical twins? Well, out of 1,000 births, only three to four are identical twins on average. It’s a rare occurrence indeed.
That’s why when Savannah Combs, a 23-year-old mom, found out she was expecting twins, she was overjoyed. But little did she know that her babies would be even more unique. Both of her twins were born with Down syndrome, which is an uncommon combination.
Initially, this news was upsetting, as Savannah and her husband Justin Ackerman anticipated judgment from others due to her illness and the state of their children. However, Savannah chose to see the beauty in her twins’ differences. She lovingly referred to them as her “little gems” – a shining testament to their uniqueness and the love they bring to her life.
Savannah, who hails from Middleburg, Florida, decided to share her postpartum journey with her twins, Kennadi Rue and Mckenli Ackerman, on TikTok. To her surprise, her videos gained immense popularity. In one of her videos, she disclosed that she had been advised to abort her children because they wouldn’t survive. But she made the brave choice to give them a chance at life. Every prenatal appointment that showed her babies were alive was a blessing in her eyes.
Unfortunately, Savannah’s husband was away at boot camp when she discovered that both twins had Down syndrome. Despite the challenges, she pushed through and gave birth to Kennadi Rue and Mckenli Ackerman on May 12, 2021, when she was 29 weeks into her pregnancy. Because they arrived prematurely, the twins had to spend a few weeks in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) before they could go home.
“They’re called mono di twins,” Savannah explained. “They had their own sacs but shared the same placenta, making them identical. Mono di twins are already very rare, and adding Down syndrome to the equation makes them truly one in two million.”
But Savannah wants the world to see her girls just like any other youngsters. Despite their uncommon condition, they have feelings, beating hearts, and the ability to communicate. “They will get there,” she said with determination. “They might take a little longer, but I’ve learned that these kids are feisty and happy. They will achieve their milestones.”
To keep everyone updated on her twins’ progress, Savannah continues to share their journey on TikTok. She wants to show the world that her girls are no different from anyone else, and with determination and support, they will accomplish great things.
Sadly, even in the face of such undeniable love and courage, some people feel the need to criticize Savannah and her family. But Savannah has the perfect response for these heartless individuals. In a Facebook post, she shared, “I said, 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.”
Let’s spread the word about this heartwarming story on Facebook. These gorgeous girls have brought immeasurable joy and love to their parents’ lives. Anyone who asserts otherwise is simply being cruel. Let’s stand together and celebrate the most precious and kind souls among us.
