New TLC stars Jay Manuel and Pamela Chavez were born with osteogenesis imperfecta type 3, also known as brittle bone disease. The couple has proven to overcome the odds and thrive despite their health condition, and now have their very own reality show.

In Touch explains their bone disease as TLC fans get to know the dynamic duo.

Jay and Pamela Both Have the Same Condition Called Osteogenesis Imperfecta Type 3

Osteogenesis imperfecta type 3 is an inherited (genetic) bone disorder that is present at birth, according to John Hopkins Medicine, which notes that it is a lifelong condition. Furthermore, there is an increased risk of blood clots.

“A child born with OI may have soft bones that break (fracture) easily, bones that are not formed normally, and other problems,” according to their site which further clarifies that type 3 is the “most severe type in babies who don’t die as newborns.”

Jay explained their condition is “super rare” on their show, Jay & Pamela, revealing he had a grim prognosis. “My parents were told I wouldn’t make it past 5 years old.”

“They gave me less time,” Pamela added. “They said I would die before the age of 1 year old. Made it!”

The couple said they often experience broken bones and have dealt with more than 400 fractures together. “It can be something as simple as rolling out of bed, taking a deep breath,” he explained. Pamela continued, “I literally have a broken rib right now.”

How Tall Are Jay Manuel and Pamela Chavez?

The couple shared their height on the show, noting they are both “little people.”

“We’re both 3-foot-4 inches tall,” Jay revealed before Pamela chimed in to clarify that was her height while Jay is apparently 3-foot-3.

Jay Manuel and Pamela Chavez Are Determined to Flourish Amid 5-Year Romance

“You know that’s my top favorite part about having OI? Because I got to meet you,” Pamela gushed.

They started off in a long-distance relationship but she ultimately left her life behind in Kansas City, Missouri, to go stay with Jay in Georgia. They have been living with his parents, Raphael and René, until they find a place that is accessible for them.

“I deal with a lot of chronic pain, so us getting active and physical is really hard for both of us,” Jay shared on the show, explaining they are determined to thrive despite their condition after visiting Dr. Dana Olszewski, an orthopedic surgeon.

“The most common cause of death is usually lung issues, as scoliosis can perpetuate a very small lung volume. So unfortunately that can lead to a clot that travels up and into the lungs that can be obviously fatal,” Dr. Olszewski said.

“We need to move,” she reiterated to the couple. “The fact that now you’re not really doing much of anything or you’ve slowed down your activity, it’s like a vicious cycle. So you’re going to start to lose the ability to do things. You’re losing muscle strength and weakness can lead to more pain.”

Jay agreed, adding, “We don’t want to lose it.”