The probability of giving birth to identical twins is relatively rare — about three to four births out of every thousand. Even more uncommon is the situation faced by 23-year-old Savannah Combs from Middleburg, Florida, who discovered she was expecting twins, only to learn later that both would be born with Down syndrome. While the news was emotional for Savannah and her husband, Justin Ackerman, it also made their daughters feel all the more precious to them. “It’s very rare, but they’ve become my little gems,” Savannah shared with News4JAX.

Throughout her pregnancy, Savannah documented her journey on TikTok, quickly gaining a large and supportive following. In one of her emotional videos, she revealed that doctors had advised her to consider abortion, warning the twins might not survive. But Savannah stood firm in her decision to carry them, seeing each prenatal visit where they were still alive as a blessing. At the time, her husband was away at military camp when she was hospitalized at 29 weeks pregnant. On May 12, 2021, Savannah gave birth to her identical twin daughters, Kennadi Rue and McKenly Ackerman, two months prematurely.

Because the girls were born early, they spent several weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit before finally being able to go home. Savannah explained that the twins were classified as “mono-di,” meaning they each had their own amniotic sac but shared a placenta, confirming that they were identical. This situation alone is rare — and when combined with both babies having Down syndrome, the odds were estimated at around one in two million. Despite their condition, Savannah insists that her daughters are just like any other children and are determined little spirits.

Savannah regularly shares updates on her daughters’ milestones on TikTok, showing how they continue to grow, learn, and bring joy to those around them. “They have feelings, they have a heartbeat, they know how to talk, and they’re going to get there,” she said proudly. Though they may be a step behind in reaching certain milestones, Savannah has learned to admire their resilience, describing them as feisty and happy little beings who light up her life.

Unfortunately, not all responses have been kind. Savannah has faced criticism and insensitive comments from strangers online. One person cruelly remarked that if their children had been born like hers, they would have given them up for adoption. Savannah, however, responded with grace and strength, posting on Facebook: “Well, good thing they weren’t born to you — they were born to me. God knew what he was doing by giving these little girls to the right parents who are going to love them no matter what.”