The chances of giving birth to twins increased by 72 percent between 1980 and 2018, yet twins remain rare—about 33 out of every 1,000 births. Identical twins are even rarer, occurring in roughly 3 or 4 out of every 1,000 births. So when 23-year-old Savannah Combs discovered she was expecting twins, she was overjoyed. Then came even more extraordinary news—both babies had Down syndrome. The emotional weight of the revelation was immense, and Savannah and her husband, Justin Ackerman, knew some people might judge them because of their daughters’ condition.
“To me, that made my daughters even more precious,” Savannah told News4JAX. “It’s very rare what they have, but they’ve been my little gems.” From Middleburg, Florida, Savannah shares her journey with her daughters, Kennadi Rue and Mckenli Ackerman, on TikTok, quickly gaining many followers who have been inspired by her story. In one video, she revealed that she had been advised to terminate the pregnancy due to concerns the babies might not survive. She chose to keep them, celebrating every prenatal appointment where they were alive.
When Savannah learned both girls had Down syndrome, her husband was away at boot camp. She was admitted to the hospital at 29 weeks and gave birth to the identical twins, Kennadi Rue and Mckenli Ackerman, on May 12, 2021. Born two months early, they spent several weeks in the NICU before coming home. Savannah explained, “They’re called mono-di twins, which means they had their own sacs but shared the same placenta, so they are identical.”
“Mono-di twins alone are very rare. Add Down syndrome on top of that, and it’s like one in two million,” Savannah said. Despite their rare condition, she emphasizes that her daughters are just like any other children. “They have feelings. They have a beating heart. They know how to communicate and do many things. They will get there. It might take a little longer, but they will do it. I’ve learned these kids are strong-willed and happy.” As they reach milestones, Savannah shares adorable updates on TikTok, inspiring countless others.
She adds, “I want them to know they’re just like everyone else and can achieve anything they set their minds to.” While Savannah has faced criticism online—some people making hurtful comments about her family—she responds with grace and strength. One person wrote, “I wouldn’t want those babies; if mine were born like that, I would put them up for adoption.” Savannah’s response on Facebook was firm and loving: “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 love them no matter what.”
Kennadi Rue and Mckenli Ackerman are incredibly special, precious, and loving. Their story reminds us all that love, resilience, and faith far outweigh judgment, and that some of the most extraordinary joys come in the rarest of forms.