Twins have always fascinated humans. They represent rarity, synchronicity, and sometimes even a touch of the miraculous.
Yet, even as twin births have become more common in recent decades, they remain statistically unusual. Between 1980 and 2018, the chances of giving birth to twins increased by 72 percent.
Largely due to advances in fertility treatments and reproductive health practices. But in the grand scheme of childbirth, twins are still rare: only about 33 out of every 1,000 births result in twins.
When it comes to identical twins, the numbers shrink even further. Statistically, about three or four out of every 1,000 births produce identical twins.
This type of twin pregnancy, called monozygotic twins, occurs when a single fertilized egg splits and develops into two genetically identical babies. It’s a remarkable event on its own—a biological coincidence that many scientists find fascinating.
Against this backdrop of rarity, the story of 23-year-old Savannah Combs from Middleburg, Florida, stands out even more. When Savannah discovered she was pregnant with twins, her initial reaction was one of pure joy.
She and her husband, Justin Ackerman, were thrilled at the prospect of welcoming two new lives into their family at once. But what they were about to learn would make their pregnancy even more extraordinary—and emotionally challenging.
As Savannah’s pregnancy progressed, she received medical news that no parent anticipates easily: both babies were diagnosed with Down syndrome, a genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 21.
Down syndrome affects each individual differently, influencing physical traits, developmental milestones, and health considerations. For Savannah and Justin, the diagnosis brought a mixture of emotions: concern, uncertainty, and an overwhelming love for their unborn children.
“It’s very rare what they have, but they’ve been my little gems,” Savannah shared in an interview with News4JAX. Her sentiment reflects the deep emotional bond that many parents feel with their children, particularly when facing unique challenges.
For Savannah, her daughters were not defined by a diagnosis—they were precious lives she was eager to nurture and protect.
The Pressure of Public Opinion and Medical Advice
Unfortunately, the road was not without its challenges. From the moment her pregnancy became known, Savannah was confronted with opinions from strangers and even professionals.
She recalls being advised to consider abortion because of the medical diagnosis. “I was told they wouldn’t make it,” Savannah explained.
Despite the fear and uncertainty, she made a decisive choice: to continue the pregnancy and give her babies the fighting chance they deserved.
“Every [prenatal] appointment they were alive was a blessing to me,” she said. These words reflect the determination and courage that would come to define her journey.
Savannah’s story is not just about rarity—it is about resilience, hope, and maternal love in the face of daunting odds.
Her husband, Justin, was away at military boot camp when they learned that both twins had Down syndrome, which added another layer of difficulty.
Savannah faced the remainder of her pregnancy largely on her own, navigating hospital visits, medical consultations, and the emotional rollercoaster of anticipation and fear.
A Rare Type of Twins: Mono-Di Twins
Savannah’s twins, Kennadi Rue and Mckenli Ackerman, were born on May 12, 2021, arriving two months early at just 29 weeks. Premature births bring additional challenges, particularly in twin pregnancies, and Savannah’s daughters were no exception.
They were classified as mono-di twins—meaning they each had their own amniotic sac but shared a single placenta.
This type of twin pregnancy is rarer than typical twin births, occurring in roughly 1 in 100 twin pregnancies, and it carries specific medical considerations due to shared nutrients and the potential for complications such as twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome.
Savannah explains: “Mono-di twins as it is, it’s already very rare. And then you throw Down syndrome on top of it, it’s like one in 2 million.”
Her statement underscores just how extraordinary this pregnancy was—a combination of biological rarity and medical uniqueness that made her daughters particularly remarkable.
Because they were born prematurely, Kennadi Rue and Mckenli spent several weeks in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). During this time, Savannah witnessed the resilience and fighting spirit of her babies firsthand.
Every day in the NICU brought small victories: stable vitals, successful feeding attempts, and tiny movements that signaled growth and progress. For Savannah, these moments reinforced her belief in their strength and potential.
Raising Twins with Down Syndrome
Despite the challenges of early birth and medical diagnoses, Savannah emphasizes that her daughters are like any other children in many ways. “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 explained. Savannah’s perspective highlights the importance of viewing children with Down syndrome as individuals with unique abilities, rather than defining them solely by a medical condition.
She adds, “Like I said, it may be a step behind, but they’re going to do it. I’ve learned these kids are feisty little things and happy little things.” Indeed, Savannah’s optimism and dedication serve as an inspiring example for families navigating similar circumstances.
To document their journey and connect with others, Savannah began sharing updates about Kennadi and Mckenli on TikTok, where they quickly gained a following.
Her posts include everyday milestones—first smiles, attempts at walking, learning new words, and moments of play. For viewers, these videos offer both education and heartwarming joy, emphasizing the universality of childhood experiences regardless of medical conditions.
Savannah is also committed to teaching her daughters that they are capable of achieving their dreams. “I’m going to let them know that they’re just like us, and they’re going to get there as long as they put their minds to it,” she said.
This message reflects the larger societal conversation about inclusion, opportunity, and the potential of children with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives.
Facing Criticism with Grace
Of course, social media is not always kind. Savannah has faced insensitive and judgmental comments from strangers, including suggestions that she should have given her babies up for adoption.
One user even wrote: “I wouldn’t want those babies; if mine came out like that, they would be straight up for adoption.”
Savannah responded with grace and conviction. She posted: “I said, 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.” Her response resonates beyond her personal story, challenging stigmas and advocating for the dignity of children with Down syndrome.
The Statistical Rarity of Savannah’s Story
To contextualize Savannah’s story further, consider the statistics:
Twins: About 33 out of 1,000 births result in twins.
Identical twins: Roughly 3 to 4 out of every 1,000 births.
Mono-di twins: A subset of identical twins with separate sacs but a shared placenta, representing only a fraction of twin pregnancies.
Twins with Down syndrome: Extremely rare, with estimates placing the likelihood at approximately 1 in 2 million births.
Taken together, Savannah’s pregnancy and her daughters’ birth represent a truly extraordinary event—one that combines biological rarity with medical complexity.
The Impact of Savannah’s Story
Beyond the numbers, Savannah’s journey has touched thousands of people around the world. Her openness about the joys and challenges of raising twins with Down syndrome has helped to educate, inspire, and normalize conversations about genetic conditions, prenatal counseling, and parental advocacy.
Her story also highlights broader societal issues, including medical advice around prenatal diagnoses, parental autonomy, and the power of community support.
Savannah’s choice to continue her pregnancy, despite pressure and discouragement, exemplifies courage and maternal dedication.
Furthermore, by sharing daily updates on social media, Savannah creates a platform for visibility and representation for children with Down syndrome.
This visibility helps challenge stereotypes, encourages understanding, and fosters empathy, providing a template for other parents in similar circumstances.
Celebrating Life and Love
At the heart of Savannah’s story is a celebration of life and love. Despite the early birth, the NICU stay, and the medical complexities, her daughters have thrived under the care of parents committed to their wellbeing.
Kennadi Rue and Mckenli Ackerman serve as living reminders of resilience, joy, and the power of unconditional love.
For Savannah, every milestone—from the first coos to tentative steps, from first words to first playdates—is a reason for celebration. She documents these moments not as a requirement, but as a gift to the world, showing that every child, regardless of circumstances, deserves recognition, love, and the opportunity to shine.
A Message of Hope
Savannah Combs’ story is more than just a rare medical occurrence; it is a story of hope, courage, and advocacy. It demonstrates that even in the face of extraordinary odds, love and dedication can guide a family through the challenges of raising children with special needs.
For parents, families, and communities, Savannah’s journey underscores the importance of support, understanding, and the refusal to let fear or judgment dictate decisions about life and family.
Her story is a testament to the enduring bond between parents and children, the value of perseverance, and the joy that comes from celebrating each child’s individuality.
In a world that often focuses on challenges and limitations, Savannah’s twins remind us of possibilities and miracles. They show that every child is precious, every life is valuable, and every family’s love can transcend even the rarest of circumstances.
