Did you know that twin pregnancies have become more common in recent years? While still relatively rare, occurring in about 33 out of every 1,000 births, the likelihood of having twins has increased by 72% from 1980 to 2018. And among these twins, identical ones are even rarer, constituting only three to four births out of 1,000.
Now imagine the joy and surprise 23-year-old Savannah Combs felt when she learned she was expecting twins. But her journey took a unique turn when she discovered that both of her precious babies had Down syndrome.
Instead of feeling discouraged, Savannah saw the beauty in this rarity. She considers her children, Kennadi Rue and Mckenli Ackerman, as her little treasures. “What they have is very uncommon, but they’ve been my joy,” she expressed.
Sharing her story on TikTok, Savannah’s videos featuring her adorable twins quickly gained popularity. But it wasn’t an easy road for her. In one of the videos, she revealed that she had been advised to consider terminating her pregnancy because her children were not expected to survive. Despite the challenges, Savannah decided to give her babies a chance at life.
Every prenatal appointment where her babies were still alive was a blessing. And when her spouse was away at boot camp, Savannah discovered that both twins had Down syndrome.
On May 12, 2021, Savannah gave birth to Kennadi Rue and Mckenli Ackerman, two months ahead of schedule. As premature babies, they had to spend a few weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) before going home.
Savannah explained that her girls are known as mono-di twins, meaning they each had their own sacs but shared the same placenta, making them identical. This alone is extremely rare, but when you add Down syndrome to the mix, it becomes one in 2 million.
But despite their unique condition, Savannah wants the world to know that her daughters are no different from any other children. They have emotions, beating hearts, and the ability to communicate. “Although they might be a step behind, I’ve discovered that these kids are spirited and joyful little individuals,” she shared.
Through heartwarming updates on TikTok, Savannah showcases her children’s developmental milestones. Her hope is to show them that they can achieve anything they set their minds to, just like any other child.
Unfortunately, along with the positive support, Savannah and her family have also faced criticism from some individuals. The young mother has had to address cruel comments on social media. But she handles it with grace and love. In response to one hurtful comment, Savannah wrote, “It’s a 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 regardless.”
Let’s celebrate the beauty of Savannah’s journey with her rare Down syndrome twins. These gorgeous girls prove that love knows no bounds and that every child is precious. Join us in spreading the word about this heartfelt tale of resilience and unconditional love on Facebook.
