The birth of twins is a rare event, with only about 33 out of every 1,000 births resulting in twins. Even rarer are identical twins, which occur in approximately three or four out of every 1,000 births. But for 23-year-old Savannah Combs, her pregnancy journey was marked by an even rarer occurrence: her identical twins both had Down syndrome.
A Joyful Surprise
Savannah and her husband, Justin Ackerman, were thrilled to learn they were expecting twins. The news that both babies had Down syndrome, however, was met with mixed emotions. They knew that some people would judge their babies because of their condition, but to Savannah, this made them all the more precious. “It’s very rare what they have, but they’ve been my little gems,” she shared.
A Fight for Life
Despite being advised to abort her babies, Savannah chose to give them a fighting chance. Each prenatal appointment where the babies were alive was a blessing to her. The twins, Kennadi Rue and Mckenli Ackerman, were born on May 12, 2021, two months before their due date. They spent several weeks in the NICU before they could finally come home.
The Journey of Mono Di Twins
The twins are known as mono di twins, meaning they had their own sacs but shared the same placenta, confirming their identical status. The combination of being mono di twins and having Down syndrome is incredibly rare, with odds of one in 2 million. Despite their condition, Savannah insists they are just like any other child. “They have feelings. They have a beating heart. They know how to talk. They know how to do things you do. They will get there,” she said.
Overcoming Criticism
Savannah has faced criticism and insensitivity on social media, with some users even stating they would put the babies up for adoption if they were in her situation. But Savannah remains unfazed, responding, “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.”
The Beauty of Difference
Savannah continues to share updates about her daughters on TikTok, celebrating their milestones and their uniqueness. She is determined to let them know that they are just like everyone else and that they can achieve anything they put their minds to. Despite the challenges, Savannah’s story is a testament to the beauty of difference and the power of unconditional love.
Thought-Provoking Questions:
How does society’s perception of Down syndrome impact families like Savannah’s?
What support systems are in place for parents of children with Down syndrome?
How can social media be used as a platform to raise awareness and challenge stereotypes about Down syndrome?
