> At a Glance
> – Jesy Nelson‘s 8-month-old twins, Ocean Jade and Story Monroe, have Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1
> – The rare disorder was spotted after the girls showed limited leg movement and feeding difficulties
> – Nelson says treatment is underway and she believes her daughters “will defy all the odds”
> – Why it matters: Early diagnosis and intervention can be life-saving for infants with SMA
Former Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson, 34, has shared that her twin daughters have been diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 1, a severe neuromuscular condition. The news comes just months after she and fiancé Zion Foster brought the premature girls home from the hospital.
The Diagnosis Journey
Nelson noticed the twins weren’t moving their legs like other babies and struggled to feed. After months of tests, doctors confirmed SMA Type 1, the most severe form of the inherited disease.
- SMA Type 1 accounts for 60% of cases
- Symptoms appear within six months
- Without treatment, life expectancy drops to age two
Life-Changing Treatment
The girls have already started therapy. Nelson now manages breathing machines and daily medical routines at home.
> “I’ve had to become like a nurse,” Nelson said. “In two weeks I had to learn to put them on breathing machines and do things no mother should have to do.”
Despite the challenges, she remains hopeful:
> “I truly believe my girls will defy the odds and fight this.”
A Message to Parents
Nelson urged parents to act quickly if they notice similar symptoms, stressing that time is critical for diagnosis and treatment.
Foster echoed her resolve, posting a photo of the smiling twins with the caption: “Still smiling through all the challenges. Daddy loves you so much.”
Key Takeaways
- SMA Type 1 is the most severe form of spinal muscular atrophy
- Early symptoms include low muscle tone and feeding issues
- Prompt treatment can dramatically improve outcomes
- Nelson and Foster are sharing their story to raise awareness and encourage early medical checks
The family now focuses on daily care while holding onto hope for their daughters’ future.
