Jess Wright shared a health update on her son Presley as she attended the National Television Awards in London on Wednesday.
The former TOWIE star, 38, who shares son Presley, 2, with husband William Lee-Kemp, announced two weeks ago that her son had been diagnosed with a rare congenital heart disease called 'Bicuspid Aortic Valve'.
However, Jess has now assured that her son is doing well and will be having checkups for the 'foreseeable'.
She told The Sun: 'He's good, it's an eight-to-twelve week check up for the foreseeable so it's going to be really tough.'
'It's been tough but I've had such an amazing response. When we first found out, we kept it to ourselves.'
Jess added: 'We were kind of grieving the news, which sounds really morbid, but it's something you have to accept and forever know that this is going to be life now.'
The TV personality added, however, that the response the family has received after sharing the news has been 'really nice to know' and also 'comforting'.
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Bicuspid Aortic Valve only affects one percent of the population and means the heart valve has only two small parts, called leaflets, instead of the normal three.
A bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is a heart defect that typically develops when two of the aortic valve's three flaps fuse during fetal development. The aortic valve controls blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta, this being the main artery that supplies blood to the body.
It is the most common congenital heart defect, affecting an average 1.3% of adults and 1% of the general population. It is more prevalent in girls than boys.
Long-term it can be a cause of heart failure, but BAV symptoms might not be evident until adulthood, commonly in middle age. Symptoms include: Shortness of breath with exertion, Chest pain, Lightheadedness, fainting, rapid and irregular heartbeat and pale skin.*
*Via John Hopkins Medicine and Cleveland Clinic
Acting Aspirations
Jess also revealed that she is now turning her attention towards acting and has been attending a lot of auditions.
She claimed that she's loving 'every second of it' and revealed her big pipe dream would be to star in a period drama.
Facing the Unknown
Jess took to her Instagram two weeks ago, to share the devastating news about her son's rare heart disease which requires open-heart surgery.
She shared with her 1.5 million followers a black-and-white snap of herself with Presley and William, and admitted sharing the news 'physically hurts my soul'.
She said he was being constantly monitored by doctors and hopes he will be able to have as normal life as possible, but revealed the toddler would need to have open-heart surgery at least twice in his life.
She admitted they had been trying to cope with the news for several 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 with: '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 Presley's 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.'
'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.
Jess also revealed that she is now turning her attention towards acting and has been attending a lot of auditions. She claimed she's loving 'every second of it' and would love to star in a period drama (pictured in 2023)
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 told her followers she will be fundraising for Brompton Fountain children’s charity in the future.
Dozens wrote back to the star and one shared: “Hi Jess my son was diagnosed with the same, I never knew until a week after I had him with my other two children being fit & healthy it was a huge shock too the system.
“At four weeks old he got an operation to stretch the valve and from then he’s been doing incredible. He’ll be 14 months next week and praying he will not have to get open heart surgery any time soon.”
Another said: “My son has aortic stenosis and a bicuspid aortic valve, he’s 11 and thriving we have needed no intervention as yet.
“As he has got older there’s been a slight improvement which keeps him stable and could do for decades.
“Many people don’t find out until they are in their 50s at least.
“It’s really scary initially and can limit certain careers, but they can and will have a very full life xxx”
A Wave of Support
The former TOWIE star, 38, shares Presley, two, with her husband William Lee-Kemp.
She shared with her Instagram followers on Monday (August 26) that their little one needs open heart surgery.
It comes as the couple discovered Presley was born with Bicuspid Aortic Valve.
This is a congenital heart disease that affects how blood flows from the heart to the rest of the body.
Jess posted a black and white picture of the two-year-old resting his right cheek on William’s shoulder as he looks to the camera, while Jess kisses his left.
We are coming to terms with the fact that our son will need intervention at least twice in his life.
The mum-of-one said: “Something he was born with and happens to a small 1 percent 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 and care over time.
“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.”
She continued to say Presley is “strong and resilient” and by getting “modern day medicine,” he will “live as normal life as the next child”.
More than 71,000 people have liked Jess’ post, and over 1,000 of her following expressed their love and support, which the pair are “grateful” for.
Michelle Keegan, Jess’ sister-in-law, left a red heart to symbolise her love for her family.
A fan penned: “Lots of healing prayers for Presley, and I pray to that you have strength.”
Jess and William tied the knot in 2021 on one of the Balearic Islands.
Their engagement took place in March 2020.
