Nicole Scherzinger brands disabled aunt ‘joy and light’ as she celebrates World Down Syndrome Day

Nicole Scherzinger brands disabled aunt ‘the joy and light of our family’ as she belatedly celebrates World Down Syndrome Day

She has previously said she was considering adopting a child with Down’s Syndrome. 

And, Nicole Scherzinger, 42, branded her disabled aunt ‘the joy and light of our family’ as she belatedly celebrated World Down Syndrome Day, which took place on March 21.  

The Pussycat Dolls singer took to Instagram on Sunday to share a joyful selfie with her auntie, Keziah Frederick, 41, who is the youngest of Scherzinger’s mother’s ten siblings.

Family: Nicole Scherzinger, 42, branded her disabled aunt ‘the joy and light of our family’ as she belatedly celebrated World Down Syndrome Day, which took place on March 21

Nicole captioned the happy snap: ‘Auntie Keziah, the joy and light of our entire family! You teach us so much just with one smile, one laugh!

‘You are our heart Happy belated World Down Syndrome day! #DownSyndromeAwareness #TheLuckyFew.’ 

The singer previously became a Special Olympics ambassador because she grew up with Keziah, who has Down’s syndrome. 

Before Scherzinger moved from Hawaii to Kentucky as a child, they were raised together and formed a close relationship. 

Beach day: The Pussycat Doll member previously shared two snaps of her alongside her family members in the sea, as she donned a lemon bikini while soaking up the sun

Beach day: The Pussycat Doll member previously shared two snaps of her alongside her family members in the sea, as she donned a lemon bikini while soaking up the sun

Back in 2013, Nicole told Metro of Keziah: ‘She is such a positive influence and inspiration for me. People get caught up in everyday little problems and in their own vanity and Keziah is always happy and there to give you love and a hug no matter what.

‘She’s a big walking ball of love – she inspires me to be happy, help others and be more grateful.’ 

‘I always sang and she loved to hear me sing. Music brought us together. That’s how she expresses herself – through creativity. She loves anything to do with singing, acting or dancing – she memorises scenes and can mimic people very well,’ added the star.

WHAT IS DOWN’S SYNDROME?

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
  • A flat back of head

Screening tests can uncover Down’s syndrome during pregnancy but are not completely accurate.

It is caused by an extra chromosome in a baby’s cell due to a genetic change in the sperm or egg.

The chance of this increases according to the age of the mother.

A 20-year-old woman has around a one in 1,500 chance of having a baby with Down’s syndrome.

Women in their 40s have a one in 100 chance.

There is no evidence women can reduce their chances of having a child with Down’s syndrome.

Down’s syndrome does not have a cure.

Treatment focuses on supporting the patient’s development. 

People with Down’s syndrome have more chance of health complications such as heart disorders, hearing problems, thyroid issues and recurrent infections.

Source: NHS Choices 

Nicole has been enjoying some much-needed family time on the tropical getaway, which she has been actively documenting on Instagram. 

Last week, the Pussycat Doll star previously shared two snaps of herself alongside her family members in the sea, as she donned a lemon bikini while soaking up the sun. 

When she is not on holiday or working out, Nicole is often spending quality time with her rugby player boyfriend Thom Evans, 35, who she has been with since 2019.  

Soaking up the sun: Displaying her washboard abs, Nicole also sported a pair of shades and let her raven locks fall down her shoulders

Soaking up the sun: Displaying her washboard abs, Nicole also sported a pair of shades and let her raven locks fall down her shoulders

The pair met during filming of The X Factor: Celebrity, with Thom competing as a boyband alongside Ben Foden and Levi Davis called Try Star, while Nicole was on the judging panel.

According to reports, the couple are open to starting a family together in the near future, and intend on purchasing a property together in London.

The pair have also been seen viewing a Los Angeles property in the early stages of development with real estate agents.

A source told The Sun: ‘Thom told pals he’s been taking supplements to boost fertility. Nicole and Thom are ridiculously loved-up, and have had serious conversations about everything from marriage to babies.’  

Happy couple: When she is not on holiday or working out, Nicole is often spending quality time with her rugby player boyfriend Thom Evans, 35, who she has been with since 2019

Happy couple: When she is not on holiday or working out, Nicole is often spending quality time with her rugby player boyfriend Thom Evans, 35, who she has been with since 2019