While the chances of giving birth to twins increased 72 percent between 1980 and 2018, it’s still pretty rare. About 33 out of every 1,000 births are twins.
And what are the chances of identical twins? Approximately every three or four births out of every 1,000 are identical twins. So again, relatively rare.
When 23-year-old Savannah Combs found out she was pregnant with twins, she was thrilled. And then she learned another rarity, they both had Down syndrome.
Of course, it was emotional news. Savannah and her husband, Justin Ackerman, knew that some people would judge her and her babies because of their condition.
But to Savannah, that’s what makes them incredibly precious.
“It’s very rare what they have, but they’ve been my little gems,” she told News4JAX.
Savannah, who is from Middleburg, Florida, shared her post-pregnancy journey with her daughters Kennadi Rue and Mckenli Ackerman, on TikTok where they quickly gained a following.
In one of her videos, Savannah said she was told to abort her babies because they would not make it.
She decided to keep them and give them a fighting chance.
”Every [prenatal] appointment they were alive was a blessing to me,” Savannah explained.
When she learned they both had Down syndrome, her husband was away at boot camp.
Savannah was 29 weeks pregnant when she was admitted to the hospital, and delivered her daughters. The identical twin girls, Kennadi Rue and Mckenli Ackerman, were born on May 12, 2021.
The twins arrived two months before their due date, so they had to spend several weeks in the NICU before they came home.
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,” she said.
“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.”
Despite their rare condition, Savannah said they are just like any other child.
“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,” she said.
“Like I said, it may be a step behind but they’re going to do it. I’ve learned these kids are feisty little things and happy little things.”
When a man asks a boy to play Bohemian Rhapsody, the boy steps up and puts on a show that the crowd will never forget
The iconic anthem “Bohemian Rhapsody” finds its origins with the legendary band Queen, setting a high bar for performers worldwide due to its perceived difficulty.
At London’s bustling St. Pancras International Station, a scene unfolded as a teenage boy prepared to tackle the daunting task of performing this renowned Queen song on a public piano. Just as he readied himself, two adults intervened, unaware that the young musician was already poised to take on the challenge. With a shy smile, the boy began to play, setting the stage for an unforgettable performance.
This talented individual is Cole Lam, a 12-year-old pianist known for his virtuosity in playing both classical compositions and modern hits in bustling locales like St. Pancras. Beyond the piano, Cole showcases his musical prowess on various instruments, including the guitar and clarinet. Remarkably, despite his tender age, Cole’s repertoire extends to songwriting and composing, making him a prodigious talent poised for greatness.
As Cole embarked on his rendition of “Bohemian Rhapsody”, onlookers braced themselves, hopeful that the young artist would do justice to Queen’s masterpiece. Two men, perhaps skeptical of the boy’s ability to tackle such a monumental piece, approached him as he prepared to play. Little did they know, Cole was about to astound them and the entire crowd with his exceptional talent.
As Cole’s fingers danced across the piano keys, a transformation occurred. Immersed in his performance, he seemed to transcend the bustling station environment, channeling every ounce of emotion into each note. His passion and dedication were palpable, captivating all who were fortunate enough to witness his rendition of Queen’s classic.
Despite his youth, Cole’s commitment to his craft is unmistakable, serving as an inspiration to aspiring musicians everywhere. With each mesmerizing performance, he continues to hone his talents, poised to make a significant mark on the world of music.
Witnessing Cole’s extraordinary talent firsthand is an experience to be shared, a testament to the power of music to transcend age and captivate hearts. So, share his story and his performance with friends and family, and join in celebrating the remarkable journey of this young musical prodigy.
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