A mother confronts discrimination with her Down syndrome twins.
Twin births are still uncommon, occurring at a rate of roughly 33 per 1,000 births, despite a 72% increase in the number between 1980 and 2018. There are only perhaps three to four examples of identical twins—twins that share the same genetic makeup—per 1,000.
Savana Combs, a 23-year-old American from Middleburg, Florida, was therefore taken aback when learning that she was expecting identical twins. She was ecstatic.
However, the situation was upended by a second piece of information: both of her daughters have Down syndrome.
Unwavering affection was evident right away between Savana and her partner, Justin Ackerman.
“This is a very uncommon circumstance. However, these are gems in my opinion,” she told News4JAX.
A difficult pregnancy, but a decision
The young mother chose to share her tale on TikTok, where she shares posts about her feelings, daily living, and her love for Mckenli Ackerman and Kenadi Rue.
In a moving video, Savana reveals that physicians told her to end her pregnancy because they thought the unborn children had no chance of surviving.
However, she declined.
She remembers that “every appointment where their hearts were still beating was a miracle.”
Savana was admitted to the hospital at 29 weeks while Justin was undergoing military training. The two young girls were born on May 12, 2021, at that time. Before entering their house, they were in critical care for several weeks due to their premature birth.
She says, “They are mono-di twins: they are identical because they shared the same placenta but each had their own amniotic sac.”
“Approximately one in two million people have mono-di twins with Down syndrome.”
Kids are just like everyone else.
Savana believes that her girls’ humanity is not defined by their disabilities.
They laugh, they feel, and they move forward. They move forward, perhaps at their own speed,” she says with pride.
“These two young girls are radiant.”
Savana keeps posting updates about their progress on social media. Through her first words, embraces, and grins, she demonstrates to the world the value of diversity.
“I want them to understand that they are just as capable as anyone else.”
A respectful reaction to criticism
Some of the comments were unpleasant, as is common on the internet.
One person commented, “I would never want children like that.”
“I would place them for adoption if mine were like that.”
Savana gave a forceful but gentle response:
Fortunately, they are not your kids. God gave them to those who could love them without conditions.
A lesson about love without conditions
Mckenli and Kenadi have grown into much more than just two cute young girls. They stand for fortitude, tenacity, and unending love.
Savana’s story serves as a reminder that regardless of one’s differences, everyone should be treated with kindness.
