When Savannah Combs gave birth to her twin daughters, she, like every new mom, knew they were special. What she didn’t realize was how rare they were.
Mckenli and Kennadi Ackerman, twins, both have Down syndrome. Dr. Pamela Trapane, medical director of Wolfson Children’s Hospital’s Duran Genetics Center in Jacksonville, Florida, described the chances as “very uncommon.”
“They’re called mono di twins, meaning that they had their own sacs, but they shared the same placenta, meaning that they were going to be identical,” said Combs. “Mo di twins as it is, it’s like very rare. And then you throw Down syndrome on top of it, it’s like one in 2 million.”
Combs had an indication at least one of the girls might be born with Down syndrome during her pregnancy but did not confirm with a diagnostic test.
The twins were born on May 12, 2021, two months prior to their due date. They stayed at Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida for about six weeks. Next month, the hospital plans to open the Borowy Family Children’s Critical Care Tower with a three-floor neonatal intensive care unit.
Combs said while their condition is rare, they’re no different than anyone else.
“They have feelings. They have a beating heart. They know how to talk. They know how to do things you do. They will get there. Like I said, it may be a step behind but they’re going to do it. “I’ve discovered these kids are feisty little beings who are also happy little things,” Combs remarked.
“Every appointment they were alive was a blessing to me,” their Combs said.
They’re continuing to achieve all of their crucial milestones, demonstrating that every child can flourish regardless of their diagnosis.
“I’m going to let them know that they’re just like us and they’re going to get there as long as they put their minds to it,” said Combs.