While the chances of giving birth to twins increased 72 percent between 1980 and 2018, it’s still pretty rare. About 33 out of every 1,000 births are twins.
And what are the chances of identical twins? Approximately every three or four births out of every 1,000 are identical twins. So again, relatively rare.
When 23-year-old Savannah Combs found out she was pregnant with twins, she was thrilled. And then she learned another rarity, they both had Down syndrome.
Of course, it was emotional news. Savannah and her husband, Justin Ackerman, knew that some people would judge her and her babies because of their condition.
But to Savannah, that’s what makes them incredibly precious.
“It’s very rare what they have, but they’ve been my little gems,” she told News4JAX.
Savannah, who is from Middleburg, Florida, shared her post-pregnancy journey with her daughters Kennadi Rue and Mckenli Ackerman, on TikTok where they quickly gained a following.
In one of her videos, Savannah said she was told to abort her babies because they would not make it.
She decided to keep them and give them a fighting chance.
”Every [prenatal] appointment they were alive was a blessing to me,” Savannah explained.
When she learned they both had Down syndrome, her husband was away at boot camp.
Savannah was 29 weeks pregnant when she was admitted to the hospital, and delivered her daughters. The identical twin girls, Kennadi Rue and Mckenli Ackerman, were born on May 12, 2021.
The twins arrived two months before their due date, so they had to spend several weeks in the NICU before they came home.
They’re called mono di twins, meaning that they had their own sacs, but they shared the same placenta, meaning that they were going to be identical,” she said.
“Mo di twins as it is, it’s like very rare. And then you throw Down syndrome on top of it, it’s like one in 2 million.”
Despite their rare condition, Savannah said 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.
“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.”
My Stepfathers Secret Stunned Me on My Birthday And My Payback Left Him in Tears
What a beautiful, heartwarming story! Nancy’s journey from confusion to acceptance—and ultimately, forgiveness—highlights the strength of true family bonds, even when they’re built on unexpected revelations. Stephen’s dedication through the years, despite his initial missteps, truly showcases his love and commitment, proving that family is about much more than blood or titles.
Nancy’s decision to surprise Stephen with the vacation is so meaningful, too. Not only did it give them a chance to heal and create new memories, but it also served as a way for Nancy to reclaim a sense of stability and understanding as she moved forward. Their time on the beach, sharing stories and healing, transformed what might have been a painful secret into a foundation for a closer relationship.
This story is a beautiful reminder of how forgiveness and honesty can bridge gaps—even the ones created by time and misunderstandings. It’s a testament to the resilience of family and the courage it takes to embrace the truth. What a lovely way for Nancy to begin her journey into adulthood, feeling loved and supported by the man who had been there for her all along.
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