Jenny Slatten loses ability to speak as ALS progresses
Jenny Slatten, a reality television personality, has lost her ability to speak as her battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) worsens, according to an update she and her husband Sumit Singh shared on Instagram Sunday. Page Six reported on the update.
In a video shared to the couple's Instagram, Singh asked Slatten if she wanted to speak to their followers. She responded slowly, "No, I can't talk." The 68-year-old's condition has deteriorated beyond speech difficulties, with Singh, 38, explaining that she is losing strength in her spine and neck, making it difficult to balance while walking or performing daily activities.
The couple's visa struggle
The couple is appealing for help obtaining a S. visa for Singh so they can travel together to America, where they believe Slatten can receive better medical treatment. Slatten currently lives in India with Singh, but his visa application has not been approved.
"If I don't get the visa, it means that we will be apart forever," Singh said in the video. "This is a reason Jenny doesn't want to go to America without me."
The couple fears that if Slatten travels to the S. alone for treatment, her condition could worsen to the point where she cannot return to India, resulting in permanent separation. Singh asked immigration lawyers or specialists to help them find a solution, citing fellow "90 Day Fiancé" cast members Armando Rubio and Kenny Niedermeier, who received a humanitarian visa after a medical emergency involving Rubio's daughter.
Slatten previously relocated from America to India when she married Singh. According to her, local Indian hospitals don't have comparable experience with the disease compared to those in the S. Singh expressed hope that America might offer a better support system.
"Unfortunately, the ALS is progressing and now it's starting showing more in her talking, like, it's hard for her to talk now," Singh said in a separate video. "Earlier, she was doing good, it's progressing, but we were thinking that we'd come to America … if we can get proper treatment. I always keep my hopes high, and I feel that America might have something better for Jenny and she can get at least a better support system."
Diagnosis and decline
Slatten received her ALS diagnosis in May, approximately one year after symptoms first appeared, Page Six noted. The latest update marks a significant decline from previous reports, when Slatten could still speak slowly and care for herself with Singh's assistance. Singh remains her primary caregiver.
"We love each other, and obviously, I want Jenny to start getting treated and I want Jenny to start feeling better," Singh said. "I'm always there for her."
The couple married after connecting online despite a 30-year age gap. Slatten added that India is "her home" and that she doesn't want to leave without Singh. He concluded: "If [our relationship and medical plans] are not enough for the embassy in order for me to get a visa, I don't know whatever situation or condition I will ever be approved."