The likelihood of giving birth to twins has risen dramatically—by 72%—between 1980 and 2018, but it remains a remarkable phenomenon. On average, only about 33 out of every 1,000 births result in twins.
As for identical twins? Those odds are even slimmer, with just three or four sets per 1,000 births.
So when 23-year-old Savannah Combs discovered she was expecting twins, she was overjoyed. But what came next was a revelation that made her pregnancy even more extraordinary: both of her twins were diagnosed with Down syndrome.
The news was emotional and came with its challenges. Savannah and her husband, Justin Ackerman, knew there would be people who might judge them or their babies because of the condition.
But to Savannah, the uniqueness of her daughters only added to their beauty.
“They’re incredibly rare, and that’s what makes them my little gems,” she shared with News4JAX.
Savannah Combs, a proud mother from Middleburg, Florida, has been sharing her inspiring post-pregnancy journey on TikTok, where her daughters, Kennadi Rue and Mckenli Ackerman, have quickly captured hearts and amassed a devoted following.
In one particularly moving video, Savannah revealed the heartbreaking moment when doctors suggested she consider terminating her pregnancy, doubting her twins would survive.
But Savannah’s love and determination were unwavering. She chose to give her babies a fighting chance, defying the odds and embracing hope.
“Every prenatal appointment where they were alive was a blessing to me,” Savannah shared, her words resonating with thousands who admire her strength and resilience.
When Savannah Combs discovered that both of her twins had Down syndrome, her husband, Justin, was away at boot camp—a moment that tested her strength and resolve.
At just 29 weeks pregnant, Savannah was admitted to the hospital, where she delivered her identical twin daughters, Kennadi Rue and Mckenli Ackerman, on May 12, 2021.
Arriving two months ahead of schedule, the twins faced an uphill battle, spending several weeks in the NICU. Despite the challenges, Savannah remained steadfast, cherishing each milestone as her little fighters grew stronger and prepared to come home.
“They’re called mono-di twins,” Savannah explained, “which means they each had their own sacs but shared the same placenta—making them identical.”
“Mo di twins as it is, it’s like very rare. And then you throw Down syndrome on top of it, it’s like one in 2 million.”
Despite their rare condition, Savannah emphasizes that 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 the things you do. They will get there,” she said with confidence.
“It might take them a little longer, maybe a step behind, but they’re going to do it. What I’ve learned is that these kids are feisty, resilient, and full of joy—they’re happy little things.”
Savannah continues to document her daughters’ journey on TikTok, sharing heartwarming updates as Kennadi Rue and Mckenli reach new milestones. Her uplifting posts not only celebrate their progress but also aim to show the world that her twins are just like everyone else.
“I’m going to let them know that they’re just like us, and they can achieve anything they set their minds to,” Savannah said with determination.
Unfortunately, not everyone online shares her positivity. The young mom has faced harsh criticism and insensitive comments from social media users.
One particularly cruel remark read, “I wouldn’t want those babies; if mine came out like that, they’d go straight up for adoption.”
Savannah, unshaken, had the perfect response. She shared her thoughts on Facebook:
“I said, 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 unconditionally.”
Her grace and resilience continue to inspire thousands, proving that love and determination always win.
Beautiful, indeed! Kennadi and Mckenli are perfect examples of how love knows no bounds. Anyone who says otherwise is simply missing out on the joy and light these girls bring into the world. Individuals like them teach us about unconditional love, resilience, and the true meaning of happiness.
If this heartwarming story touched your heart, share it on Facebook to spread positivity and remind everyone of the beauty in embracing life’s rarest blessings. ❤️
