Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
Jesy Nelson, formerly of the girl group Little Mix, has shared the difficult news that her twin daughters have been diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder known as Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). She revealed that this severe condition means her babies, Ocean Jade and Story Monroe Nelson-Foster, will likely face significant physical challenges, including an inability to walk. The twins, born prematurely last May with Jesy’s partner, musician Zion Foster, are showing symptoms that deeply affect their muscle strength and overall physical development.
In an emotional Instagram video, Nelson explained that the girls had exhibited limited movement in their legs and struggled with feeding. Following extensive medical assessments over several months, the diagnosis was confirmed as SMA type 1. Jesy described the disorder as the most severe form of muscular disease, one that progressively weakens muscles throughout the body—including those responsible for breathing and swallowing—and if untreated, greatly reduces life expectancy, often to less than two years. The twins have been receiving treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, where doctors indicated they are unlikely to ever walk or regain neck strength, resulting in lifelong disabilities.
Since the diagnosis, Jesy has taken on the role of caregiver, managing breathing support for her daughters, which she described as an intensely painful and life-altering experience. Despite this, she expressed hope and determination for the girls to “defy all the odds” with the right medical intervention. Jesy’s honest sharing of her family’s struggle serves not only to raise awareness about SMA but also to encourage early diagnosis in other children, as timely treatment can be crucial. Zion Foster also expressed his love and positivity in social media posts, showing the twins smiling through their medical challenges.
Jesy, who is 34 years old, delivered her children at just 31 weeks, having faced complications during pregnancy. She has spoken candidly about how motherhood has deepened her appreciation for her own body. Since leaving Little Mix in December 2020, Jesy has pursued a solo career, including the release of the track “Boyz” featuring Nicki Minaj in 2021. SMA itself is a progressive muscular disease with a high fatality rate if untreated, but advances such as the gene therapy drug Zolgensma—approved by the NHS in 2021—offer new hope. This treatment replaces the faulty gene responsible for SMA, although early intervention is vital to prevent irreversible nerve damage. Currently, newborn screening for SMA in the UK focuses only on babies with affected siblings, but charity groups advocate for its inclusion in routine blood spot tests. An estimated 47 babies were born with SMA in the UK in 2024, though about one in 40 people carry the gene variant linked to the condition
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.