Mother of twins with Down syndrome silences the critics
Between 1980 and 2018, the likelihood of having twins increased by 72%, yet it remains relatively uncommon, with only about 33 out of every 1,000 births resulting in twins.
As for identical twins, the odds are even rarer, occurring in roughly three or four out of every 1,000 births.
So when 23-year-old Savannah Combs discovered she was pregnant with twins, she was overjoyed. Then, she learned another surprising fact: both of her twins had Down syndrome.
Naturally, it was emotional news. Savannah and her husband, Justin Ackerman, knew that people might judge them and their babies because of their condition.
But for Savannah, this only made her daughters even more precious. “They’re rare, but they’re my little gems,” she said.
A mother from Middleburg, Florida, Savannah shared her journey with her daughters, Kennadi Rue and Mckenli Ackerman, on TikTok, where their story quickly gained a supportive following.
In one video, Savannah recalled how doctors advised her to abort the babies, claiming they wouldn’t survive. But Savannah refused to give up.
“Every appointment where they were alive was a blessing,” she explained. At 29 weeks pregnant, Savannah learned her babies both had Down syndrome.
At the time, her husband was away at boot camp. Savannah was admitted to the hospital and delivered her daughters on May 12, 2021, two months earlier than expected.
The twins needed to spend weeks in the NICU before they could finally go home. “They’re called mono-di twins,” Savannah explained.
“They had separate sacs but shared the same placenta, meaning they were identical.” She continued, “Mono-di twins are already rare, but with Down syndrome, it’s like one in 2 million.”
Despite their rare condition, Savannah says her daughters are just like any other child. “They have feelings. They have a beating heart.
They can talk and do things you do. They’ll get there,” she said. “They may be a step behind, but they will do it. I’ve learned that these kids are feisty and happy little things.”
As her daughters continue to meet milestones, Savannah frequently shares updates on TikTok. “I’ll make sure they know they’re just like us, and they’ll get there as long as they put their minds to it.”
However, not everyone is supportive. Some social media users have been critical, prompting Savannah to respond. One comment read, “I wouldn’t want those babies; if mine came out like that, they would be straight up for adoption.”
Savannah’s response on Facebook was perfect: “Good thing they weren’t born to you and were born to me. God knew exactly what he was doing by giving these babies to the right parents who would love them no matter what.”
Savannah’s daughters, Kennadi Rue and Mckenli Ackerman, are beautiful, and anyone who says otherwise is simply unkind.
These girls are undoubtedly some of the most precious, loving individuals you’ll meet. Please share this heartwarming story to spread love and understanding.
