.jpg)
Most families only worry about their kids' health as they wait for a new
baby to arrive. Because of this, not everyone decides to have genetic
testing done before having children. On May 12, 2021, Justin Ackerman and
Savannah Combs of Jacksonville, Florida, welcomed twins into the world two
months early. Although they were aware that one of their children could have
a hereditary disease, they decided against doing the extra tests. Mckenli
and Kennadi Ackerman, two infant girls, are two in a million to have Down
syndrome.
According to data on the prevalence of Down syndrome, it is exceedingly
unlikely that both twins would have the condition. The news stunned the
parents, but they were even more delighted to learn that both of their girls
are healthy and content. The twins had to spend more time in the hospital
since they were delivered early. So, when they were allowed to return home
with their parents, it felt very special.
Because a third copy of chromosome 21—either the complete copy or a portion
of it—is present in people with Down syndrome, the genetic disease is also
known as trisomy 21. People with Down syndrome can have quite different
lifestyles. Some people choose to pursue higher education after they
graduate from high school instead of seeking employment. While some folks
need greater help with financial and legal issues. People with Down syndrome
are advised to have routine health screenings and checkups throughout their
life.
Although every child is unique, McKenli and Kennadi are in fact "rare." Dr.
Pamela Trapane, medical director of Wolfson Children's Hospital's Duran
Genetics Center in Jacksonville, Florida, stated that it is "very unusual"
for twins to be born with Down syndrome.
When Mckenli and Kennadi were born, everyone was taken aback.
"Approximately two twin pregnancies out of every 1,000 will result in at
least one child with Down syndrome," the doctor continued. The likelihood
that a pregnancy will result in twins and that both of the twins will have
Down syndrome, on the other hand, is around one in 1 to 5 million.
Everyone responds differently to unexpected news, and this was undoubtedly
the case for these parents. When the twins' prognosis was initially
revealed, Combs's husband, Ackerman, was "extremely emotional," but their
mother said she was "simply delighted they were here."
Before the infants were born, Combs and Ackerman were informed that there
was a significant probability one of them may have Down syndrome; yet, they
still chose not to undergo genetic testing. "Every (prenatal) checkup they
were alive was a blessing to me," the first-time mother said.
According to Combs, the infants are "reaching milestones like no other" in
January 2022. Every week they attend physical and occupational therapy, and
according to their mother, they are almost crawling.
Both of the twins are utterly lovely. Their parents are overjoyed that the
girls are doing well. The twins are significantly distinct from one another,
according to Combs as well. Kennadi is a "ray of light," but McKenli is "a
real diva," it seems.
When the twins were 5 months old, in October 2021, Combs talked with
News4Jax and said, "It's really rare what they have, but they've been my
little pearls."
Combs said, "They're dubbed mono di twins, meaning they had their
individual sacs but shared the same placenta, indicating they were likely to
be identical. Added she, "As it is, having twins is quite uncommon. Add Down
syndrome on top of that, and the odds are something like 1 in 2
million."
Combs, as a mother, also had something significant to say about her girls
and emphasized to everyone that they are just like other newborns. "They are
emotional. Their heart is pounding. They are capable of speaking. They are
capable of performing tasks you can. They will arrive. Even though they may
be a step behind, they will nonetheless complete the task. These kids are
feisty little creatures and joyful little things, as far as I can tell "the
devoted mother clarified.
All Combs wants for Down Syndrome Awareness Month is for people to
understand that those who are born with the disease are not less than anyone
else. "They are identical to us. They have Down syndrome, but I won't treat
them any differently."
Raising a child that you like but who the world regards differently just
because they are different in appearance is difficult. Down syndrome parents
are aware that their children are just like any other children, yet the
stigma surrounding the disease can be difficult for certain families.
Through their TikTok channel, Combs and her family are seeking to combat
the stigma and negativity associated with parenting children who have Down
syndrome. We hope for the best for these lovely girls and their amazing
family in the future!
Tags:
Internet