Being emotional, Little Mix star Jesy Nelson on Instagram revealed that her eight-month-old twin daughters--Ocean Jade and Story Monroe-- may never walk again as they were diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).
'After the most gruelling three to four months and endless appointments, the girls have now been diagnosed with a severe muscular disease - SMA Type 1,' she said in the video.
She also shared her heartbreaking hospital experiences. "It has just been endless hospital appointments, I feel like the hospital has become my second home, and I feel like I have had to become a nurse because I have to put them on breathing machines and do stuff that no mother should have to do with their child," she said.
Social media poured with support once she shared her story and challenges.
What is SMA?
SMA is a genetic condition that causes worsening muscle weakness. Though there is no cure for SMA, therapies and medications help manage its symptoms.
Simon Cowell and his wife send Jesy love and offer her support 🤍 pic.twitter.com/M9tnhQSZ46
— Jesy Nelson Updates (@JesyNelson_stan) January 4, 2026
SMA involves the loss of a specific type of nerve cell that helps in controlling muscle movement in the spinal cord. Without these neurons, muscles won't receive the nerve signals that make them move.
Ranging from severity and age of onset, there are five subtypes.
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In the video, Nelson says that her kids are diagnosed with SMA Type 1.
Know more about SMA Type 1
Often called Werdnig-Hoffman disease, about 60 per cent of SMA cases are type 1. The onset of symptoms takes place within the first six months of life, and it includes limited head control and decreased muscle tone.
What are SMA Type 1 symptoms?
1. Reduced head control
2. Decreased muscle tone
3. Lack of reflexes
4. Facial muscle weakness
5. Abnormal breathing
6. Difficulty swallowing
According to studies, SMA is the second most common severe hereditary disease of infancy and childhood that affects between 1 in 6,000 to 1 in 11,000 live births.
Common treatments for SMA
* Physical therapy
* Occupational therapy
* Assisted walking devices, like crutches, orthopaedic braces, wheelchairs and so on
* Speech therapy
* Assisted ventilation for breathing issues
* Feeding tube if swallowing is too difficult
Complications of SMA include bone fractures, malnutrition, chest infections, aspiration pneumonia and severe breathing issues. Research shows that SMA Type 1 often results in death by the age of 2 without breathing support.
Jesy welcomed her twins with partner Zion on May 15 last year.
