Savannah Combs of Middleburg, Florida, experienced an incredibly rare pregnancy—identical twin girls, both born with Down syndrome. At just 23 years old, she received news that would change her life and chose to face it with courage and love.

“It’s very rare what they have, but they’ve been my little gems,” Savannah said in an interview with News4JAX.

Despite doctors advising her to terminate the pregnancy, Savannah stood firm. “Every appointment they were alive was a blessing,” she explained. While her husband, Justin Ackerman, was away at boot camp, she carried their daughters until 29 weeks.

On May 12, 2021, Savannah gave birth to Kennadi Rue and Mckenli Ackerman. The twins, born two months premature, spent several weeks in the NICU before heading home.

The girls are “mono-di” twins—each had their own sac but shared a placenta—making them identical. Adding Down syndrome to this already rare condition makes their birth a 1 in 2 million event.

Savannah proudly shares their journey on TikTok, celebrating each milestone. “They have feelings. They know how to do things. They will get there,” she said.

However, the family hasn’t been immune to cruelty online. One commenter said the babies should be given up for adoption. Savannah calmly replied, “Good thing they weren’t born to you and were born to me.”

Through it all, Savannah champions her daughters’ worth and potential. “I’m going to let them know they’re just like us,” she said. “They may take longer, but they’ll do it.”

Their story is a powerful message about unconditional love, acceptance, and the strength of a mother determined to celebrate her daughters exactly as they are—her little gems.