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Jesy Nelson, former star of X Factor and member of Little Mix, has revealed a heartbreaking health update concerning her twin daughters. The singer disclosed that her baby girls have been diagnosed with a rare, life-threatening genetic disorder.
In a poignant video shared on Instagram this past Sunday, Nelson informed her followers that her daughters, Ocean Jade and Story Monroe Nelson-Foster, who arrived prematurely in May with partner and musician Zion Foster, have Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). She described it as “the most severe muscular disease.”
“This condition affects every muscle in the body, including those needed for movement, breathing, and swallowing,” Nelson explained.
The singer recounted her initial worries when her daughters failed to exhibit typical leg movements and faced difficulties with feeding. Following extensive testing over several months, doctors diagnosed the twins with SMA Type 1.
“After enduring an incredibly challenging three to four months filled with numerous medical appointments, we’ve received the diagnosis that the girls have a severe muscular disease known as SMA Type 1,” Nelson shared.
“Essentially, what it does is, over time, it kills the muscles to the body, and if it’s not treated in time, your baby’s life expectancy will not make it past the age of two.”
Nelson said the twins were assessed at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, where she was told her daughters were “probably never going to be able to walk.”
“They probably will never regain their neck strength, so they will be disabled,” she added.
The former Little Mix singer said her daughters have since received treatment — something she described as lifesaving.
“I was so grateful for,” she said. “Because if they don’t have it, they will die.”
Since the diagnosis, Nelson said she has had to place one of her daughters on breathing machines as part of their care.
“The reason I wanted to make this video was because the last three months have honestly been the most heartbreaking time of my life. I literally feel like my whole life has done a 360.”
Despite the diagnosis, Nelson said she believes her daughters will “defy all the odds,” adding that with the right help, “they will fight this.” She said she chose to share their story to help other children get diagnosed as quickly as possible.
Following her post, Foster shared a photo of the twins smiling, writing: “Still smiling through all the challenges. Daddy loves you so much.”
Nelson, 34, previously revealed she gave birth at 31 weeks after rare pregnancy complications. SMA is a progressive muscle-wasting disease that can be fatal within two years if untreated. In 2021, the NHS approved the gene therapy drug Zolgensma, which experts say is most effective when administered early.
