Having twins is already a rare occurrence, accounting for about 33 out of every 1,000 births. But imagine the rarity of not only having twins but also having them both born with Down syndrome. This is the heartwarming story of Savannah Combs, a mother who demonstrates just how beautiful and precious her twins truly are.
Embracing the Rare
When Savannah, 23, found out she was expecting twins, she was overjoyed. However, she soon discovered that her twins were born with Down syndrome. Although the news was initially upsetting, Savannah saw their condition as something extremely valuable. She refers to her twins, Kennadi Rue and Mckenli Ackerman, as her “little gems”. She knows that what they have is rare and special.
Challenging Stereotypes
Savannah chose to document her postpartum journey with her twins on TikTok, sharing their milestones and experiences. Through her videos, she hopes to break down stereotypes and change people’s misconceptions about Down syndrome. She even shared that someone suggested she should have aborted her twins. But Savannah made the brave decision to keep them and give them a chance at life. She believes that every prenatal appointment they attended together was a blessing.
Overcoming Challenges
Born two months prematurely, Kennadi Rue and Mckenli had to spend several weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) before they could go home. Savannah explains that they were called “mono di twins”, meaning they had their own sacs but shared the same placenta, making them identical.
To add to their uniqueness, having Down syndrome makes them even more rare, with odds of one in every two million. However, Savannah sees her daughters as any other child, complete with emotions, a beating heart, and the ability to communicate. She believes they will reach their milestones, even if it may take a little longer.
Spreading Love and Acceptance
Despite the love and support Savannah and her family have received, they have also faced insensitive comments on social media. But Savannah has the perfect response to these hurtful remarks. She shares a message on Facebook, proudly stating that her children were born to her, and she was chosen by God to be their mother. She reminds people that her daughters are beautiful, valuable, and deserving of love.
Savannah continues to share wonderful updates on TikTok as her daughters progress and reach their milestones. Through her videos and messages, she hopes to show others that her girls are just like any other children, with the potential to achieve anything they set their minds to. She invites everyone to spread the word about this touching story on Facebook, to promote understanding, acceptance, and love for children with Down syndrome.
Let us celebrate the beauty and preciousness of these rare Down syndrome twins and support their loving family.
