Although the likelihood of having twins increased by 72% between 1980 and 2018, giving birth to twins is still relatively rare, occurring in about 33 out of every 1,000 births. Identical twins are even more uncommon, with only 3 to 4 out of every 1,000 births being identical.
At just 23 years old, Savannah Combs received the exciting news that she was pregnant with twins. But soon after, she learned something even more extraordinary—both babies had Down syndrome.
While the news was initially overwhelming, Savannah and her husband, Justin Ackerman, were prepared to face judgment from others. Still, for Savannah, their uniqueness made them all the more precious.
“It’s very rare what they have, but they’ve been my little gems,” Savannah told News4JAX.
Savannah, who lives in Middleburg, Florida, began documenting her journey as a mother of three—including twins Kennadi Rue and Mckenli Ackerman—on TikTok, quickly gaining a supportive following.
In one of her videos, she revealed that doctors had suggested terminating the pregnancy, warning that the twins might not survive. But Savannah chose to continue, cherishing every moment she had with them in the womb. “Every appointment where they were alive was a blessing to me,” she said.
At the time, Justin was away on military training. Savannah was 29 weeks pregnant when she was admitted to the hospital. On May 12, 2021, she gave birth to her twin daughters, Kennadi Rue and Mckenli.
Born prematurely, the girls spent several weeks in the NICU before they could go home.
Savannah explained that the girls were “mono-di” twins—each had their own amniotic sac, but they shared a placenta, which means they are identical. “Mo-di twins are already rare. And then to have both with Down syndrome makes it even more unique.”
Despite their condition, Savannah says her daughters are just like any other children.
“They feel love. Their hearts beat. They can communicate. They can do everything anyone else can,” she said. “They might take a little longer, but they get there. What I’ve learned is they are determined and joyful little souls.”
Savannah often shares heartwarming videos on TikTok, capturing milestones and moments with her daughters. She is committed to showing them that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.
Unfortunately, not everyone has been kind. Savannah has received cruel messages online, including one that read, “I wouldn’t want those babies; if mine came out like that, I’d put them up for adoption.”
Her response was both powerful and full of grace.
“I told them, ‘It’s a good thing they weren’t born to you—because they were born to me. God knew exactly what He was doing when He gave these babies to the right parents who would love them no matter what.’”
Savannah’s love for her daughters and her strength in standing up to ignorance have inspired many online.
Beautiful girls, beautiful message—please consider sharing this uplifting story on Facebook to spread love and awareness.