Former Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson has shared deeply emotional news about the health of her twin daughters, revealing that doctors have told her the babies may never be able to walk after being diagnosed with a rare and severe muscle disease.
A Joyful Birth Turned Wrenching Reality
Nelson, 34, and her fiancé, British rapper Zion Foster, welcomed their twin daughters, Ocean Jade Nelson-Foster and Story Monroe-Nelson-Foster, in May 2025 after a high-risk pregnancy that included complications such as twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).
Initially described as “healthy and fighting strong,” the twins’ lives changed dramatically as they grew.
Their grandmother noticed that their legs were not moving as expected, prompting further medical assessment.
Diagnosis: Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1
The twins have since been diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) type 1, a rare genetic condition that affects the body’s motor neurons, leading to progressive muscle weakness.
Jesy explained in an emotional video shared with fans that:
SMA impacts muscles throughout the body — including the legs, arms, breathing, and swallowing muscles.
Doctors have told the family the girls will likely never walk and probably won’t regain neck strength.
Without treatment, the disease can be fatal before age two.
Jesy emphasized that the condition is the most severe form of SMA and that while it cannot be cured, treatment can help manage symptoms and extend life.
Life in and Out of Hospital
In her update, Nelson spoke candidly about how her life has shifted since the diagnosis was confirmed:
She described “endless hospital visits” and learning how to support her daughters with breathing equipment.
She said the past three to four months have been “the most heartbreaking time” of her life.
Jesy admitted she feels like she has had to become a nurse to her children, performing care tasks she believes “no mother should have to do.”
Despite the diagnosis, she remains hopeful.
Jesy said she believes her daughters could “defy the odds” and continue fighting, and she expressed immense gratitude that they received rapid treatment soon after the diagnosis.
Raising Awareness
Nelson has been open about why she decided to share the news publicly.
She hopes that raising awareness of the signs of SMA — such as limited movement in babies’ limbs — might help other parents and lead to earlier detection and treatment.
Her message underscores how crucial early diagnosis can be, especially since interventions are most effective when started promptly after symptoms appear.
Support from Fans
Fans and fellow celebrities alike have rallied around Jesy and her family, offering love and encouragement as they navigate these difficult moments.
Her courageous openness has been praised for bringing attention to a condition many people may never have heard of before.
