While the rate of twin births rose 72% between 1980 and 2018, it’s still uncommon—about 33 in 1,000. Identical twins are even rarer, with only 3–4 per 1,000 births.
When 23-year-old Savannah Combs of Middleburg, Florida, learned she was expecting identical twins, she was overjoyed—then discovered they both had Down syndrome, a one-in-2-million occurrence.
Despite emotional challenges and outside judgment, Savannah and her husband, Justin Ackerman, embraced their daughters, Kennadi Rue and Mckenli. Born prematurely on May 12, 2021, the twins spent weeks in the NICU.
Classified as mono-di twins (separate sacs, shared placenta), their rare condition hasn’t stopped them from thriving. Savannah shares their journey on TikTok, inspiring many.
“They have feelings, hearts, and dreams like anyone else,” she said. “They may be a step behind, but they’ll get there.”
When faced with cruel comments online, Savannah replied with grace: “Good thing they weren’t born to you. God knew they needed parents who would love them unconditionally.”
