Jessica Biel reveals that her beloved niece has Down syndrome as she posts a touching Instagram tribute to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day
Jessica Biel revealed her beloved niece Zaya has Down syndrome on Tuesday when she posted a touching tribute on Instagram.
The 7th Heaven alum – who received a very sweet shoutout earlier this month from Justin Timberlake for her 41st birthday – rocked a pair of whimsical mushroom socks to support the adorable toddler on World Down Syndrome Day.
Captioning a pair of selfies, Biel wrote: 'For #WorldDownSyndromeDay this year, I’m wearing FUN SOCKS to support my amazing niece @lovelyzayab and to celebrate the whole incredible community. Post yours to send love to our friends and family all over the world.'
Zaya, three, and her family explained the significance of Biel's 'fun socks,' as the little girl's Instagram Story detailed how 'chromosomes look like mismatched socks,' representing the chromosome abnormalities that cause Down syndrome.
Biel looked radiant in her makeup-free selfies, pairing her cute socks with a beanie, cozy black leggings, and an asymmetrical T-shirt.
Touching reveal: Jessica Biel, 41, revealed her beloved niece Zaya has Down syndrome on Tuesday when she posted a touching tribute on Instagram
Heartwarming symbol: The Valentine's Day star also shared a picture of her adorable niece to her Instagram Story
The Valentine's Day star also shared two pictures of Zaya on her Instagram Story, writing, 'For #WDSD this year, we're wearing FUN SOCKS. Post yours to send your love to our friends all over the world.'
Zaya and her family reshared many heartwarming sock posts to her Instagram Story, and posted an official explanation to spread the word.
Their post began: 'Why the "Mismatched colorful sock" on World's Down Syndrome Day?
'Actually, chromosomes look like mismatched socks, we wear them to raise awareness of people with Down Syndrome, their acceptance by the society, schools and companies!
'2023 – With us, not for us – a human rights-based approach views people with disabilities as having the right to be treated fairly and have the same opportunities as everyone else, working WITH others to improve their lives @lovelyzayab.'
Down's syndrome is a genetic condition that typically causes some degree of learning disability and certain physical characteristics. Symptoms include: Floppiness at birth, eyes that slant down and out, a small mouth and a flat back of the head.
It is caused by an extra chromosome in a baby's cell due to a genetic change in the sperm or egg.
Zaya is the daughter of Jessica's younger brother Justin Biel, who runs his own eco-accessory line called BARE.
Zaya's mother, Rose Biel, is an energy healer and shaman whose bio on Instagram reads: 'Creating sacred moments, healing and experiences.'
Jessica and Justin's mother Kimberly also worked as a spiritual healer throughout their childhood in Boulder, Colorado.
Supporting the cause: Biel looked radiant in her makeup-free selfies, pairing her cute socks with a beanie, cozy black leggings, and an asymmetrical T-shirt
Adorable: Zaya is the daughter of Jessica's younger brother Justin Biel, who runs his own eco-accessory line called BARE
Spreading the word: Zaya and her family reshared many heartwarming sock posts to her Instagram Story, and posted an official explanation to spread the word
A-list aunt: Last year, Jessica revealed that Zaya's life was saved by a surgical procedure on her heart at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. The Candy star attended the hospital's annual charity gala looking gorgeous in a feather black dress
Last year, Jessica revealed that Zaya's life was saved by a surgical procedure on her heart at Children's Hospital Los Angeles.
The Candy star attended the hospital's annual charity gala with her A-list husband Justin Timberlake and younger brother, giving the great cause a shoutout on Instagram.
Captioning pictures of her glamorous attire, Biel wrote: 'Last night all dressed up to support a cause close to our hearts.
'So special having m brother with us – his daughter had a life saving heat surgery at CHLA and we are so grateful and proud to be part of this community. Shout out to little Zamboni! Thanks to everyone who came out.'
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