Between 1980 and 2018, the likelihood of having twins rose by 72 percent, yet it remains a relatively uncommon occurrence. Currently, about 33 out of every 1,000 births result in twins.
As for identical twins, they appear in roughly three to four births per 1,000, making them quite rare as well.
When 23-year-old Savannah Combs discovered she was expecting twins, she was overjoyed. However, she soon learned that both of her babies had Down syndrome, which added another layer of uniqueness to their situation.
This news was understandably emotional for Savannah and her husband, Justin Ackerman, who were aware that some might judge them and their daughters due to their condition.
Nevertheless, Savannah views this as what makes her children incredibly special.
“They have something very rare, but they are my little gems,” she shared with News4JAX.
Hailing from Middleburg, Florida, Savannah documented her journey after giving birth to her daughters, Kennadi Rue and Mckenli Ackerman, on TikTok, where she quickly garnered a following.
In one of her videos, Savannah recounted being advised to terminate her pregnancy because the doctors believed her babies wouldn’t survive.
Choosing to give them a chance, she said, “Every prenatal appointment where they were alive felt like a blessing to me.”
At 29 weeks pregnant, Savannah was hospitalized and delivered her daughters, the identical twins Kennadi Rue and Mckenli Ackerman, on May 12, 2021, while her husband was away at boot camp.
The twins made their entrance into the world two months early, which meant they needed to stay in the NICU for a few weeks before they could go home.
“They’re known as mono-di twins, which means they each had their own amniotic sacs but shared a placenta, indicating they would be identical,” she explained.
“Mo-di twins are already quite uncommon, and when you add Down syndrome into the mix, the odds drop to about one in two million.”
Savannah emphasized that despite their unique circumstances, they are just like any other children.
“They have emotions. They have a heart that beats. They can communicate. They can do things just like you. They will get there,” she explained. “As I mentioned, they might be a bit behind, but they will achieve it. I’ve discovered that these kids are spirited and joyful.”
As each child reaches their milestones, Savannah shares their charming updates on TikTok.
“I want them to understand that they are just like us, and they will succeed as long as they set their minds to it.”
However, some individuals feel compelled to criticize Savannah and her family. Consequently, the young mother has had to respond to some truly insensitive comments on social media.
“I wouldn’t want those babies; if mine were like that, I’d put them up for adoption,” one person commented.
But Savannah had a wonderful response, which she posted on Facebook.
“I replied that 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.”
They are beautiful girls. Anyone who thinks otherwise is simply unkind. These children are some of the most precious and loving individuals out there! Please share this uplifting story on Facebook.
