1. Christine Huyen Tran Ha – NMOSD

Christine Huyen Tran Ha, also known as Christine Ha, is a Vietnamese-American chef and writer and was a winner of the reality TV show “MasterChef” in 2012.

Ha has been open about her battle with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), a rare autoimmune condition that affects the central nervous system, particularly the optic nerves and spinal cord. NMOSD can cause symptoms such as vision loss, weakness, numbness, and bladder and bowel dysfunction.

Despite her health challenges, Ha has continued to pursue her passion for cooking and writing and has used her platform to raise awareness about NMOSD, share her personal experiences with the condition, and advocate for better understanding and support for individuals with rare autoimmune diseases like NMOSD.