The birth of twins is usually a momentous occasion. About 33 out of every 1,000 births result in twins, making it a unique experience even though the odds of having twins have increased by 72% between 1980 and 2018. Having identical twins is even more uncommon; only roughly three or four sets are born for every 1,000 people.
When 23-year-old Savannah Combs learned she was carrying twins, she was ecstatic. The unexpected discovery that both of her daughters had Down syndrome—a rare condition indeed—tempered her joy.
Given that their girls’ condition would draw unjustified attention and criticism, Savannah and her husband, Justin Ackerman, were ready to deal with obstacles and criticism from others. Savannah, however, saw this as simply adding to the value and individuality of her girls.
“It’s very rare what they have, but they’ve been my little gems,” she said in an interview with News4JAX.
Middleburg, Florida resident Savannah started using TikTok to chronicle her journey with her daughters, Mckenli Ackerman and Kennadi Rue. Her narrative immediately struck a chord with viewers, garnering a sizable following.
In one video, Savannah talked about the depressing advice she got to end her pregnancy, which she courageously refused. Rather, she made the decision to treasure every second of her pregnancy, considering every fetal heartbeat to be a miracle.
At 29 weeks pregnant, Savannah was brought to the hospital after learning of the twins’ condition while her husband was away at boot camp. She gave birth to her lovely daughters, Mckenli and Kennadi, on May 12, 2021.
The twins had to stay in the NICU for a while before they could go home because they arrived two months early than anticipated.
Savannah referred to her twins as “mono di twins,” implying that they were identical despite having separate sacs and sharing a placenta. “Mo di twins alone are extremely uncommon, and when you add Down syndrome to that, it’s about one in two million,” she said.
Savannah emphasized that her daughters are just like any other child, even if they have an uncommon disease.
“They have feelings,” she stated affectionately. Their hearts are thumping. They can communicate. They can perform tasks that you can. They’ll arrive. They will accomplish it, even though it may be a step behind schedule. These kids are cheerful and feisty little things, I’ve discovered.
Savannah posts the twins’ encouraging progression on TikTok as they meet developmental milestones, showcasing their perseverance and happiness.
“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,” she says, demonstrating her will to give her kids confidence.
However, Savannah occasionally receives criticism from insensitive people. One especially offensive remark was made by someone who said that they would place their children for adoption if they had children similar to hers.
“Good thing they weren’t born to you and were born to me,” was Savannah’s sincere and beautiful Facebook post in reaction to these offensive comments. By assigning these infants to the ideal parents who would always love them, God understood exactly what he was doing.
Savannah’s love for her girls is evident, and anyone who is fortunate enough to follow their journey may see how strong and beautiful this family is. Like all children, Kenndai and Mckenli make everyone around them happy and cozy, demonstrating that a family’s love is unconditional.
lovely girls. Those who claim differently are simply cruel. These people are the most caring and valuable people in the world!
