Twin pregnancies, though more common than before, are still quite rare. Between 1980 and 2018, the likelihood of having twins increased by 72%, but twins are still born in only about 33 of every 1,000 births. Identical twins are even more uncommon, occurring in just three to four of every 1,000 births.
Savannah Combs, a 23-year-old from Middleburg, Florida, was thrilled to discover she was expecting twins. Her excitement was mixed with concern when she learned both twins had Down syndrome, a rare occurrence.
Savannah and her husband, Justin Ackerman, knew their situation might lead to judgment from others. However, Savannah saw their uniqueness as a blessing.
“It’s very rare what they have, but they’ve been my little gems,” she shared.
Savannah documented her postpartum journey with her twins, Kennadi Rue and Mckenli Ackerman, on TikTok, and her videos quickly gained popularity. In one of her videos, Savannah revealed that doctors had advised her to consider abortion, fearing the twins wouldn’t survive. She chose to keep them, treasuring every prenatal appointment as a blessing.
At 29 weeks pregnant, while Justin was away at boot camp, Savannah was admitted to the hospital and gave birth to Kennadi Rue and Mckenli Ackerman on May 12, 2021. Born two months early, the twins spent several weeks in the NICU before coming home.
“They’re called mono di twins, meaning they had their own sacs but shared the same placenta, making them identical,” Savannah explained. “Mo di twins are already very rare, and with Down syndrome, it’s like one in 2 million.”
Despite their condition, Savannah says 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. They will get there,” she said. “It may be a step behind, but they’re going to do it. I’ve learned these kids are feisty little things and happy little things.”
Savannah continues to share heartwarming updates on TikTok as her daughters reach their milestones. “I’m going to let them know that they’re just like us and they’re going to get there as long as they put their minds to it.”
However, not everyone is supportive. Some people have left cruel comments on social media. One person wrote, “I wouldn’t want those babies; if mine came out like that, they would be straight up for adoption.”
Savannah responded perfectly on Facebook, saying, “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.”
These gorgeous girls are a testament to love and resilience. Please share this touching story on Facebook to spread their inspiring journey.
