When Savannah Combs gave birth to identical twins with Down syndrome, she faced cruel comments online — but her loving response showed the world what true motherhood looks like.
Mom of Twins Born with Down Syndrome Shuts Down All Negativity
When 23-year-old Savannah Combs from Middleburg, Florida, found out she was expecting twins, she was overjoyed. Twins are rare — only about 33 out of every 1,000 births result in twins. Even rarer are identical twins, which occur in only 3 to 4 out of every 1,000 births.
But Savannah’s pregnancy turned out to be even more unique — both of her baby girls were diagnosed with Down syndrome.
While the news was emotional, Savannah and her husband, Justin Ackerman, saw their daughters as blessings, not burdens. “It’s very rare what they have, but they’ve been my little gems,” Savannah told News4JAX.
A Difficult Decision — and a Mother’s Courage
During her pregnancy, doctors advised Savannah to terminate because the babies might not survive. But she refused.
“I chose to give them a chance,” she said. “Every prenatal appointment where they were alive was a blessing to me.”
At the time, Justin was away at boot camp, leaving Savannah to face the emotional journey largely on her own. When she reached 29 weeks, she was admitted to the hospital — and soon gave birth to her twin daughters, Kennadi Rue and Mckenli Ackerman, on May 12, 2021.
The girls were born two months early and spent several weeks in the NICU before finally coming home.
“They’re called mono-di twins, meaning they each had their own sacs but shared the same placenta,” Savannah explained. “That makes them identical. Add Down syndrome on top of that, and it’s like one in two million.”
“They’re Just Like Everyone Else”
Despite their rare condition, Savannah says her daughters are just like any other children.
“They have feelings, they have a beating heart, and they know how to communicate,” she said. “They’ll get there — it might take a little longer, but they will. These kids are strong-willed and happy.”
Savannah shares her family’s journey on TikTok, where her videos have gained thousands of followers. She often posts updates of her daughters reaching new milestones — smiling, playing, and enjoying life together.
“I want them to grow up knowing they can achieve anything they set their minds to,” she said proudly.
Dealing with Negativity
Unfortunately, not everyone has been kind. Savannah has received harsh comments from strangers online.
One person wrote, “I wouldn’t want those babies; if mine were born like that, I would put them up for adoption.”
Savannah’s response went viral for all the right reasons. She posted,
“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 love them no matter what.”
Her words shut down the hate and inspired thousands of parents worldwide.
“These girls are incredibly special,” Savannah said. “Anyone who says otherwise is just unkind. They’re the most precious and loving little people you’ll ever meet.”
A Story That Inspires
Savannah’s journey is a powerful reminder that love sees no limitations. Her story has touched millions online — not only because of her daughters’ rare condition, but because of the strength, courage, and compassion she shows every single day.