At the age of 13, Danelle Umstead was diagnosed with an inherited retinal disease (IRD)—retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a rare genetic eye condition that involves the breakdown and loss of cells in the retina. The condition means she has no central vision and is losing her peripheral vision.
Danelle recently underwent genetic testing to identify what was causing her blindness. She hopes that through her own experience, she can motivate others to seek testing to get their genetic diagnosis. As part of the initiative, there are a number of resources available, including a free genetic testing kit that HCPs can access on behalf of their patients.
Danelle joins host Lisa Davis to talk about the importance of genetic testing and why she encourages patients to take action.
Tuesday, 08 October 2019 00:00
Overcoming the Odds with Former Dancing with the Stars Contestant, Paralympic Skier Danelle Umstead
Paralympic skier Danelle Umstead joins host Lisa Davis to talk about the importance of genetic testing and why she encourages patients to take action.
Additional Info
- Segment Number: 1
- Audio File: naturally_savvy/ns868.mp3
- Featured Speaker: Danelle Umstead, Paralympian Medalist
- Guest Website: TEAM USA
- Guest Twitter Account: @danelleumstead
- Guest Bio: Danelle Umstead is no stranger to overcoming the odds. Being blind from a young age did not stop her from becoming a three-time Paralympian bronze medalist, 53-time world cup medalist, the first and only visually impaired contestant on Dancing with the Stars, and marrying the man of her dreams (on top of a mountain, and skiing down together after their ceremony!). Danelle and her husband, Rob, made history at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Paralympic Games as the first husband and wife visually impaired ski race team to compete and medal for Team USA. Today she continues to train and delivers speeches around the world about How to do the Impossible Every Day, all while raising a family of her own.
- Length (mins): 17:27
- Waiver Received: Yes
- Host: Andrea Donsky, RHN and Lisa Davis, MPH
Published in
Naturally Savvy
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