Did you know that the chances of having twins have increased by 72% from 1980 to 2018? Still, twin births are quite rare, with only 33 out of every 1,000 births resulting in twins.

Among these, identical twins are even rarer, occurring in about three to four per 1,000 births. Now, imagine how unique it would be to have twins with Down syndrome—that’s exactly what happened to Savannah Combs, a 23-year-old from Middleburg, Florida.

A Unique Twin Pregnancy

In a truly rare event, Savannah discovered she was pregnant with twin girls who both had Down syndrome. This condition in twins is incredibly rare, making Savannah’s pregnancy a one-in-two-million occurrence.

Emotional Reactions and Support

The news was emotional for Savannah and her husband, Justin Ackerman. Despite potential judgment about her babies’ condition, Savannah embraced their uniqueness, calling them her “little gems.” She openly shared her journey on social media platforms like TikTok, where she gained a supportive following.

Early Challenges and Triumphs

Savannah’s husband was away at boot camp when she found out about the twins’ condition. At 29 weeks pregnant, Savannah was admitted to the hospital and gave birth to Kennadi Rue and Mckenli Ackerman on May 12, 2021. The premature twins spent several weeks in the NICU since they were mono-di twins—identical twins with their own sacs but sharing the same placenta.

Celebrating Each Milestone

Despite the challenges, Savannah is dedicated to showing that her daughters are like any other children. “They can talk, feel, and learn, just at their own pace,” she said. She continually updates their progress on TikTok, celebrating each milestone and advocating for their potential.

Responding to Criticism with Love

Savannah has faced criticism from some social media users. In response to insensitive comments, she emphasized, “My daughters were meant to be with a parent who loves them unconditionally.” Her response to detractors has been both dignified and inspiring.

A Story of Love and Acceptance

Savannah’s story is not just about the medical rarity of her twins’ condition but also about love, acceptance, and the joy of parenting. Each update she shares reminds us of the inherent value and capability of every individual, regardless of their differences.

Please consider sharing this heartwarming story to spread awareness and support for families like Savannah’s.