MasterChef Winner raises awareness for Autoimmune Disease

Celebrated Texas-based Chef and MasterChef winner Christine Ha visited Chicago June 24-26 to help raise awareness of a little-known, serious autoimmune disease called neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). She has been living with NMOSD for 20 years, which led to her blindness.

NMOSD primarily affects the nervous system, but many doctors have never heard of this disease. In an interview with Chicago Star, Chef Ha explained, “A lot of neurological symptoms you can’t tell from the outside. The best way to get properly treated is to find out as soon as possible you have this disorder and find the right team to find the different therapies that can work for you.” That is why early detection of NMOSD is important.

Chef Ha received a misdiagnosis in her 20s with MS, a common prognosis because the symptoms are similar. She is raising awareness because medical professionals can implement a treatment plan once there is a successful diagnosis. Chef Ha has been attack free for over a decade, thanks to receiving proper treatment.

Her professional culinary career took off when she won MasterChef, becoming the first blind chef to accomplish something this incredible. Host Gordon Ramsey can appear quite intimidating on the show. “He’s definitely exactly what you see on television.”, says Chef Ha, “He can be intimidating, yes, for sure. But I also think he’s a very caring person and a great mentor.”

Chef Ha is an accomplished chef and a New York Times best-selling author, James Beard nominee, and noted restaurateur with the Blind Goat, Xin Chào, and Stuffed Belly in Houston. She will return to the culinary ring at the Galveston Island Wine Festival on Labor Day weekend.

Christine has achieved many accomplishments while living with NMOSD. We wondered what advice she would share with those feeling down on life. “Go through the process of dealing with your emotions and all the things that come with different challenges but also don’t give up hope.”, says Chef Ha, “Celebrate all the small victories.”

For more information about NMOSD please visit nmosdwontstopme.com