NMOSD Won’t Stop Me

Watch the Video
Download the full video transcript

close

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare and debilitating autoimmune disease caused by inflammation in the central nervous system.
While its effects can be unpredictable and life-altering, it hasn’t stopped people like Christine Ha, the first blind contestant on MasterChef, and winner of the show’s third season, from making an impact and doing what they love. Christine is an entrepreneur, author, restaurateur and advocate, and she lives with NMOSD.

Christine’s Unstoppable Story

Christine was born an only child in Los Angeles to parents who emigrated from Saigon following the Vietnam War. In 2003 at 23 years old, she was diagnosed with NMOSD and began losing her vision. By 2007, she was almost completely blind.

This did not stop her from winning MasterChef, becoming a literary editor, releasing her own cookbook or hosting a cooking show designed for the visually impaired.

She now owns two restaurants in Houston, has served as a culinary envoy on behalf of the American Embassy and travels the world giving TEDx Talks. NMOSD has not stopped her, far from it.

Christine Ha in her restaurant’s kitchen presenting a dish ready for a customer

Christine’s Recipe for Living with NMOSD

See Christine’s tips for advocating for your health and overcoming challenges associated with NMOSD.

Download Here

Unstoppable Resources

NMOwn the Path Forward

Find additional resources to support you on your NMOSD journey.

Guthy-Jackson Charitable Foundation

Connect with others and help fund research for treatments and a cure.

Siegel Rare Neuroimmune Association

Find critical resources, learn about the latest research, and connect with others diagnosed with rare neuroimmune disorders like NMOSD.

The Sumaira Foundation

Explore therapies and research, and connect with TSF ambassadors around the world.

Learn more about an NMOSD treatment option