Even though the frequency of twin pregnancies increased by 72% between 1980 and 2018, twins are still relatively rare. Approximately 33 out of every 1,000 babies born are twins.
But what are the chances of having identical twins? On average, only three to four sets of identical twins are born per 1,000 births. That makes them even more uncommon.
For Savannah Combs, a 23-year-old woman from Middleburg, Florida, finding out she was pregnant with twins was a dream come true. She was overjoyed by the news. However, her excitement was met with an unexpected challenge when she learned that both of her babies had a rare condition—Down syndrome.
The news was difficult to process. Savannah and her husband, Justin Ackerman, knew that not everyone would understand or accept their situation. Some people might even judge them. But despite the initial shock, Savannah chose to focus on the beauty of her children rather than the challenges they might face.
“They’ve been my little gems,” she said. “What they have is incredibly rare, and that just makes them even more special.”
Savannah gained widespread recognition after sharing her postpartum journey on TikTok, posting heartfelt videos of her daughters, Mckenli Ackerman and Kennadi Rue. Her story quickly resonated with many, earning her thousands of followers who were moved by her unwavering love and resilience.
In one emotional video, Savannah revealed that she had been advised to terminate her pregnancy. Doctors told her that her babies might not survive. But she refused to give up on them.
“I considered every prenatal visit a blessing because they were still alive,” Savannah recalled. “Each check-up was a moment of gratitude.”
During the pregnancy, Justin was away at boot camp when they confirmed that their twin daughters had Down syndrome. Savannah faced the challenges of her high-risk pregnancy largely on her own.
At just 29 weeks, she was admitted to the hospital and delivered her daughters prematurely on May 12, 2021. Because the twins were born two months early, they required extensive medical care and spent several weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) before they were strong enough to go home.
“They were identical twins because they shared the same placenta, making them what’s known as mono-di twins,” Savannah explained. “Mono-di twins are already quite rare. When you add Down syndrome into the equation, the odds are about one in two million.”
Despite their diagnosis, Savannah wants the world to know that her daughters are just like any other children.
“They have emotions. Their hearts beat just like everyone else’s. They communicate, learn, and grow. They may take a little longer to reach milestones, but they will get there,” she said. “They are happy, spirited little souls.”
Savannah continues to document her daughters’ progress on TikTok, celebrating every small victory and milestone they reach.
“I’m going to teach them that with determination and hard work, they can accomplish just as much as anyone else,” she said confidently.
However, not everyone has been supportive. Some individuals on social media have made cruel and heartless comments about her daughters. One person even wrote, “I wouldn’t want those babies. If mine came out like that, I would put them up for adoption.”
Savannah didn’t let the negativity go unanswered. She responded with a powerful message that she later shared on Facebook.
“I told them, ‘It’s a good thing they were born to me and not to you.’ God knew exactly what He was doing when He gave these babies to the right parents who would love them unconditionally.”
Her response struck a chord with many people who admire her strength and devotion as a mother. She continues to inspire others with her unwavering belief that every child deserves love and acceptance.
Savannah’s story is a testament to the beauty of unconditional love. While her journey may come with challenges, she embraces every moment with gratitude, proving that her daughters are more than just a diagnosis—they are cherished, valued, and deeply loved.
These beautiful little girls are a reminder that differences should be celebrated, not feared. Their story serves as an inspiration to many, showing that love knows no bounds.
If you were touched by this heartwarming story, share it with your friends and family on social media to spread awareness and appreciation for these incredible children.