Mom of Rare Identical Twins with Down Syndrome Shuts Down Critics with Heartfelt Message

The odds of having twins are already rare—only about 33 out of every 1,000 births result in twins. But even more unique are identical twins, with approximately only three to four sets born per 1,000. For 23-year-old Savannah Combs, however, both the news of her pregnancy with twins and their diagnosis of Down syndrome were life-changing moments that she embraced with love and courage.

When Savannah found out she was pregnant with identical twins, Kennadi Rue and Mckenli Ackerman, the excitement was overwhelming. But the joy soon turned to a mix of emotions when doctors informed her that both of her daughters would be born with Down syndrome. The journey ahead would be challenging, but Savannah was determined to give her girls a chance.

"It's very rare what they have, but they’ve been my little gems," Savannah told News4JAX, sharing how she sees her daughters as precious treasures, despite their unique condition.

A Journey of Hope: Choosing Life Against All Odds

Savannah and her husband, Justin Ackerman, had to face more than just the typical challenges of pregnancy. At 29 weeks pregnant, Savannah was admitted to the hospital for early delivery. When she was told by doctors that her twins wouldn’t survive, she made the bold decision to carry them to term.

Savannah shared her emotional journey with her growing TikTok following, where she documented each milestone in her daughters' lives. "Every prenatal appointment they were alive was a blessing to me," Savannah explained. Despite warnings to abort, she chose life.

Savannah delivered her daughters, Kennadi Rue and Mckenli Ackerman, on May 12, 2021—two months ahead of schedule. The twins were immediately placed in the NICU for specialized care due to their early birth.

What Makes These Twins So Special?

Kennadi Rue and Mckenli Ackerman are known as mono-di twins—meaning they shared a placenta but had separate sacs. This rare phenomenon, combined with their Down syndrome diagnosis, means they are part of an incredibly rare group: one in two million.

Despite their challenges, Savannah emphasizes that her daughters are no different from any other child. "They have feelings. They have a beating heart. They know how to talk. They will get there," Savannah says, acknowledging that while their progress may take a little more time, these twins are feisty, happy, and full of potential.

Overcoming Criticism: Standing Strong as a Family

As Savannah and her family have shared their story, they have faced criticism from insensitive social media users. One commenter even suggested that Savannah should have given her babies up for adoption. However, Savannah responded with a message full of love and strength:

"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 regardless."

Savannah’s heartfelt response quickly gained support from her followers, who praised her unwavering commitment to her daughters. "Beautiful girls. Anyone who says otherwise is just plain mean. These individuals are the most precious and loving people out there!" one supporter commented.

Sharing the Love: A Heartwarming Message for All

Savannah continues to document Kennadi and Mckenli's milestones on TikTok, offering a glimpse into the beautiful and inspiring lives of her daughters. "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," Savannah says, reinforcing the message that every child, regardless of their condition, deserves love, respect, and the opportunity to thrive.

The Power of Compassion

Savannah’s story is a reminder of the importance of compassion, understanding, and the strength of a mother's love. As her daughters continue to grow and reach new milestones, Savannah’s journey has inspired many to reconsider their preconceived notions about disabilities and family.

Please share this heartwarming story to spread love and positivity to all those who need it.