Jess Wright has revealed that her son Presley has been diagnosed with a rare congenital heart disease, that will mean he will have to undergo open-heart surgery.
The former TOWIE star, 38, shares her two-year-old son with her businessman husband of three years William Lee-Kemp.
She took to her Instagram on Monday, to share a black-and-white photo of the three of them, as she admitted sharing the news ‘physically hurts my soul’.
Jess explained Presley had been born with a condition called Bicuspid Aortic Valve, that only affects one percent of the population, which means he is missing a leaflet in his heart.
She said he was being constantly monitored by doctors and hopes he will be able to have as a normal life as possible, but revealed the toddler would need to have open-heart surgery at least twice in his life.
Jess Wright has revealed that her son Presley has been diagnosed with a rare congenital heart disease, that will mean he will have to undergo open-heart surgery
The former TOWIE star, 38, shares her two-year-old son with her businessman husband of three years William Lee-Kemp (pictured together)
Jess explained Presley had been born with a condition called Bicuspid Aortic Valve, that only affects 1 per cent of the population, which means he is missing a leaflet in his heart
She said they had been trying to cope for the news for a few months and had been nervous about sharing it, but wanted to raise awareness and hear from other parents who have also gone through it ‘to know that we are not alone.’
In her lengthy caption, Jess began: Hey everyone. I have been apprehensive & nervous about writing this post because I knew that once I shared it, it would become even more real, but ultimately I couldn’t hide away from the reality anymore & would love to also raise awareness.
‘A few months ago we learned that our son Presley has a congenital heart disease called ‘Bicuspid Aortic Valve’. Something he was born with & happens to a small 1% of us.
‘Essentially, instead of having three leaflets in his aortic valve, like most, he only has two. This condition affects how blood flows from the heart to the rest of the body and will require monitoring & care over time.’
She went on: ‘I won’t go into the full details right now, but whilst this is please God not a fatal disease, we are coming to terms with the fact that our son will need intervention at least twice in his life.
‘By intervention I mean open heart surgery. Saying those words out loud physically hurts my soul, hence why for a few months we have been coping with this news & trying to navigate it.
‘We have been, & will be monitoring Presleys heart closely with doctors every 8-12 weeks, hoping & praying every time we go, that we get the results we need.
‘Ultimately, he will then have intervention when necessary, but the older he can be for that, the better.
She said he was being constantly monitored by doctors and hopes he will be able to have as a normal life as possible, but revealed the toddler would need to have open-heart surgery at least twice in his life
She said they had been trying to cope for the news for a few months and had been nervous about sharing it, but wanted to raise awareness and hear from other parents who have also gone through it ‘to know that we are not alone.’
‘We know that Presley is strong and resilient. With the help of modern day medicine, Presley will live as normal life as the next child, we hope & pray.’
Reaching out to her followers for any advice, Jess also thanked her family and friends for their support during the ‘scary’ time.
She wrote: ‘I also know that this platform will help me share & get information, express my feelings, find answers to questions, & provide much-needed support and knowledge to others in need.
‘I would love to hear from any other parents who are navigating this unknown & very scary territory, as knowledge is power & it is a comfort to know that we are not alone.
‘We are so grateful for the love and support from our family, friends, and this amazing community. Thank you for your positive thoughts, prayers, & for helping us raise awareness about heart health.
‘I will be chatting to the Brompton Fountain children’s charity too, & hopefully helping as best I can in their fundraising, along the way.’
The reality star concluded her post: ‘Wishing you all a lovely bank holiday Monday ❤️’.
Jess was flooded with messages from her fans and famous pals sending their love and support, while sharing their own stories facing the disease
Jess was flooded with messages from her fans and famous pals sending their love and support, while sharing their own stories facing the disease.
Fellow TOWIE star Georgia Kousoulou wrote: ‘Sending you all lots of love to beautiful Presley ❤️❤️❤️❤️’ while former co-star Lydia Bright commented a string of heart emojis.
Billie Shepherd penned: ‘Thinking of you all and Sending you all lots of love ❤️’ and Ferne McCann added: ‘Oh Presley ❤️❤️❤️ sending so much love to you all.’
Megan McKenna also commented, writing: ‘Sending you so much love Jess. Thinking of you all ♥️’, and Amy Childs: ‘Sending you lots of love ❤️ xxx’.
While Made In Chelsea’s Sophie Habboo added: ‘Sending you lots of love ❤️’ and Ashley James said: ‘Aww Jess, I’m sending so much love to you and your family ❤️❤️❤️❤️’.
And former Hollyoaks star Gemma Atkinson said: ‘Ahhh Jess. I hope you’re ok. sending lots of love to Presley ❤️’.