Exclusive Video
‘Jay & Pamela’: New TLC Couple Opens Up About Living With Same Rare Genetic Disorder (VIDEO)
Jay and Pamela are ready to share their story. In TLC‘s newest series, Jay & Pamela, premiering March 4, the engaged couple will open up about their love story and their life together (along with their dog, Cheddar) while navigating the same rare brittle bone disorder.
In Swooon’s exclusive preview of the series premiere, Jay and Pamela discuss their condition. “We were both born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta Type 3, OI for short,” Pamela explains. Jay adds, “Which means we’re both little people. We’re both 3-foot-4 inches tall.”
There’s a bit of a debate about their heights. Pamela says Jay is actually 3-foot-3. “Either way, we’re short, so it doesn’t make a difference,” Jay quips.
Jay and Pamela met online and bonded over their shared experiences. They fell in love, and Pamela has since moved in with Jay and his parents, Raphael and Rene. They have a finished basement apartment, but they yearn for a place of their own. However, as power chair users, they have to find a place that fits their needs.
“Our condition is super rare. My parents were told I wouldn’t make it past five years old,” Jay admits in the preview. Pamela follows with, “They gave me less time. They said I would die before the age of one years old. Made it!”
Pamela reveals that Osteogenesis Imperfecta Type 3 “causes fragile bones,” so they have to be careful. “Together, we’ve had over 400 fractures, and it can be as simple as rolling out of bed, taking a deep breath,” Jay says. Pamela even has a broken rib while filming!
Despite their challenges, Jay and Pamela are enthusiastic about each and every day. In addition to living independently, they also have plans to marry.
Jay & Pamela, Series Premiere, Tuesday, March 4, 10/9c, TLC
