Jesy Nelson Advocacy Secures SMA Newborn Screening Study

Former Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson marked her twins' first birthday on Friday with an emotional Instagram tribute, praising daughters Ocean Jade and Story Monroe as the "strongest, most resilient little fighters" amid their battle with spinal muscular atrophy type 1, or SMA1.

The 34-year-old shared a video reciting the poem "Welcome to Holland" by Emily Perl Kingsley, which reflects the experience of raising a child with a disability. In the caption, Nelson wrote, "I cannot believe it has been a whole year since having my beautiful baby girls. They have been through so much. There will never be enough words to describe just how incredible they actually are. My tiny little super humans. The strongest, most resilient little fighters I've ever known. You inspire me and every single person that ever meets you both. One whole year old today what a milestone to reach. ... Happy Birthday my Ocean and Story you are my whole heart and soul I love you more than you will ever know."

Born prematurely last May, the twins received their SMA1 diagnosis in January. The genetic condition causes progressive muscle wastage, leading to weakness, movement and breathing difficulties, swallowing...