Jesy Nelson’s partner has praised their twin daughters as resilient fighters in their struggle against a degenerative muscle condition. Musician Zion Foster criticized the lack of early testing for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) at birth as unacceptable. Jesy, a former member of the group Little Mix, recently disclosed that their twins, Ocean Jade and Story Monroe Nelson-Foster, were diagnosed with SMA too late, hindering their ability to walk.
Advocating for change, the Mirror is calling for SMA screening to be included in the NHS newborn heel prick test to allow immediate intervention for infants with the disease. Zion shared a heartfelt poem on social media, emphasizing the strength and determination shown by their daughters in facing the challenges ahead.
Despite the availability of treatments that can halt nerve degeneration caused by SMA, reversing disability is not possible once damage occurs. While most developed countries conduct SMA screening at birth, the UK government has yet to implement widespread testing, opting instead for a pilot program recommended by the National Screening Committee, potentially delaying full rollout until 2031.
In a proactive move, NHS Scotland is set to introduce SMA testing for all newborns starting this spring. Jesy, known for her time with Little Mix, left the group in 2020 and has since pursued a solo music career. She remains a prominent advocate for raising awareness about SMA and healthcare system improvements.
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