Mom of Rare Twin Girls with Down Syndrome Speaks Out and Silences Critics
Between 1980 and 2018, the likelihood of having twins rose by 72%, but twin births remain uncommon—only about 33 in every 1,000. Identical twins are even rarer, occurring just three to four times per 1,000 births.
So when 23-year-old Savannah Combs learned she was expecting identical twins, she was overjoyed. Then came an even more extraordinary twist—both babies had Down syndrome.
Naturally, the news was emotional. Savannah and her husband, Justin Ackerman, were aware that some people might judge their children unfairly. But for Savannah, their uniqueness only made them more special.
“What they have is incredibly rare, but to me, they’re my little treasures,” she told News4JAX.
Living in Middleburg, Florida, Savannah began documenting her life with her twin daughters—Kennadi Rue and Mckenli Ackerman—on TikTok, where the family quickly captured hearts.
In one video, Savannah revealed that doctors had advised her to terminate the pregnancy, warning that the babies wouldn’t survive. But she refused, choosing instead to give them a chance. “Every time I went to an appointment and heard their heartbeats, I felt blessed,” she said.
Her husband was away at boot camp when she learned both girls had Down syndrome. At 29 weeks, Savannah was admitted to the hospital, where she gave birth to her twins on May 12, 2021—two months early. The girls spent several weeks in the NICU before coming home.
“They’re called mono-di twins, which means they had separate amniotic sacs but shared the same placenta, so they’re identical,” Savannah explained. “Mono-di twins are already rare—and with Down syndrome too, the odds are like one in two million.”
Despite their unique condition, Savannah says Kennadi and Mckenli are just like any other kids. “They have emotions, they have hearts that beat, they’re learning to talk and do everything other children do. It might take them a bit longer, but they’ll get there,” she said. “They’re feisty and full of joy.”
Savannah continues to share their progress on TikTok, celebrating each milestone and reminding her followers of her daughters’ strength and potential.
“My goal is to teach them they can do anything—they’re no different,” she said.
Unfortunately, not everyone is kind. Savannah has faced cruel comments online, including one person who wrote, “I wouldn’t want those babies. If mine came out like that, they’d go up for adoption.”
Her powerful response? “I told them, it’s a good thing these babies weren’t born to you—they were meant for me. God knew exactly what He was doing when He gave them to parents who would love them unconditionally.”
Savannah’s courage and love shine through, proving that her daughters are not only rare—they’re remarkable.
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