Twin births have become more common in recent years, but they’re still relatively rare. In the U.S., only about 33 out of every 1,000 births result in twins—and of those, just a small fraction are identical. But for 23-year-old Savannah Combs from Middleburg, Florida, her pregnancy turned out to be something truly extraordinary.
Savannah was overjoyed to learn she was expecting identical twin girls. But during her pregnancy, she received news that made her story even more unique: both of her daughters had been diagnosed with Down syndrome—a condition that occurs when a baby is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21.
“It’s very rare what they have,” Savannah said in an interview with News4JAX. “But they’ve been my little gems.”
Faced with a diagnosis that often comes with uncertainty, Savannah and her husband, Justin Ackerman, made a clear and loving decision. They embraced the journey ahead with open hearts and chose to focus on hope, strength, and unconditional love. Even when advised to consider other options, Savannah stood firm in her decision to continue the pregnancy.
“Every appointment they were alive was a blessing to me,” she said in a heartfelt TikTok video.
With her husband away at military training, Savannah navigated the later stages of her pregnancy on her own. At just 29 weeks, she was admitted to the hospital and gave birth to her daughters, Kennadi Rue and Mckenli Ackerman, on May 12, 2021. Born prematurely, both girls spent several weeks in the NICU receiving specialized care.
“They’re called mono-di twins,” Savannah explained on TikTok, referring to a rare type of identical twin pregnancy in which the babies share one placenta but have separate amniotic sacs. “Mo-di twins are already rare. Then you add the Down syndrome diagnosis, and it’s estimated to be about one in two million.”
As the twins grew stronger, Savannah began sharing their journey online. Her videos, filled with smiles, milestones, and honest reflections, quickly gained attention. Viewers connected deeply with her message of love, inclusion, and resilience.
Savannah uses her platform not only to celebrate her daughters’ achievements but also to raise awareness about Down syndrome. She’s become a strong voice in promoting understanding and acceptance of individuals with disabilities, encouraging other families to embrace their unique paths.
Today, Kennadi and Mckenli are thriving. Their days are filled with giggles, playtime, and joy—and their story continues to inspire people around the world.
Savannah lovingly calls them her “little gems,” a phrase that perfectly reflects the spirit and strength her family has shown.
Their story is not only a celebration of rare circumstances but also a powerful reminder of what love and perseverance can achieve. It encourages us to see the beauty in every child and to remember that differences are something to be embraced, not feared.
As Savannah continues to share her family’s journey, she’s spreading a message of hope: that every child is a gift and every family, no matter how unique, deserves to be supported and celebrated.
Did this story inspire you? Share it with someone who needs a reminder of how love and resilience can light the way.
