With her twins who have Down syndrome, a mother faces discrimination.
Even though the number of twin births increased by 72% between 1980 and 2018, they are remain rare, occurring at a rate of about 33 per 1,000 births. Perhaps about three or four identical twins—twins with the same genetic composition—are found for every 1,000 people.
So, when Savana Combs, a 23-year-old American from Middleburg, Florida, found out she was carrying identical twins, she was shocked. She was overjoyed.
A second piece of information, however, completely changed the course of events: both of her daughters have Down syndrome.
Savana and her companion, Justin Ackerman, immediately showed unwavering affection for one another.
This is an extremely rare situation. But I think they are diamonds,” she told News4JAX.
A challenging pregnancy, but a choice
The young mother decided to share her story on TikTok, where she posts about her daily life, sentiments, and her love for Kenadi Rue and Mckenli Ackerman.
Savana discloses in a heartbreaking video that doctors advised her to terminate her pregnancy because they believed the unborn children had no chance of surviving.
But she refused.
“Every appointment where their hearts were still beating was a miracle,” she recalls.
While Justin was training for the military, Savana was hospitalized at 29 weeks. At that moment, on May 12, 2021, the two young girls were born. Because of their early birth, they spent several weeks in critical care before they were allowed into their home.
“They are mono-di twins: each had their own amniotic sac, but they are identical because they shared the same placenta,” she explains.
“Mono-di twins with Down syndrome affect about one in two million people.”
Children are no different from adults.
According to Savana, her daughters’ disabilities do not define who they are as human.
They feel, they laugh, and they go on. Perhaps at their own pace, they progress,” she says proudly.
“These two little girls are so beautiful.”
On social media, Savana consistently shares updates regarding their development. She shows the world the importance of diversity with her first words, hugs, and smiles.
“I want them to realize that they have the same potential as everyone else.”
A polite response to criticism
As is typical on the internet, some of the comments were disagreeable.
“I would never want children like that,” someone said.
“If mine were like that, I would put them up for adoption.”
Savana responded with firmness but tact:
Luckily, they are not your children. God gave them to those who could unconditionally love them.
A lesson in unconditional love
Beyond being two adorable young girls, Mckenli and Kenadi have developed into much more. They represent strength, perseverance, and unwavering love.
Savana’s story serves as a reminder that everyone deserves kindness, despite their differences.
