Learning that your child has a chronic autoimmune disease can be overwhelming, but family support can make all the difference. Singer John Legend’s 7-year-old son, Miles, has Type 1 diabetes, and fortunately, his siblings are helping him navigate the journey with love and care.
In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Legend, 46, shared how Miles and his siblings are adjusting since the diagnosis. Legend and his wife, Chrissy Teigen, share four children: Miles, daughters Luna and Esti, and son Wren.
“The younger ones don’t really know what’s going on, but when they see the devices and things he has to wear, they sometimes have questions,” Legend explained.
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, preventing the body from producing insulin.
“His condition is also building grit in him, and as a family, I think it’s building it in us as well because we are all rallying together to support him,” Legend said.
The EGOT winner has actively supported Miles, including attending a summer DYF diabetes camp in Yosemite, where Miles connected with peers and counselors living with diabetes. The camp focuses on improving quality of life for youths through education and community engagement.
In September, Legend reflected on how Miles’ diagnosis has strengthened their family bond. “My personality is one where I’m very optimistic and practical,” he said. “As soon as I learned that he had this, I knew it was going to be life-changing for him and for us, but I’m also like, ‘We can do this.’ We’ve got great advice and lots of people offering support to help us learn.”
“This speaks to us feeling like a team,” he added, “and knowing we can do this together. It just makes us stronger.”
Legend’s message is a reminder that even when life presents unexpected challenges, the love and support of family can make navigating them easier.
