Blind 'Masterchef' offers inspiration to others - KMSP-TV

Blind 'Masterchef' offers inspiration to others

Posted: Updated:
ATLANTA -

An inspirational chef made a stop in Atlanta to cook up a little advice. The winner of FOX's hit show Masterchef, Christine Ha, reminds us to never let life's obstacles keep us from our dreams.

If there is anyone who could teach a class on cooking, it would be Ha. The way food looks isn't as important to Ha because she can't see. In her 20s, she was diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica or NMO.

Ha says the disease is similar to MS. She says it affected her optic nerves and over time, they atrophied.

But her love of cooking, which started in college, never diminished. She says she botch a few dishes in her early days, but once she could see people enjoying her food, it brought joy to her.

It was a joy that carried her all the way to the kitchen on the world's stage as a contestant on Masterchef. Ha was the only blind competitor, and the first visually impaired winner of the show.

"When I'm cooking I have adaptive equipment that helps me just prepare food more safely. And I think a lot about using the other senses for clues on what you're doing in the kitchen," said Ha.

The Houston native stopped in Atlanta to offer advice to parents and participants of the Center for the Visually Impaired, letting them know that blindness is merely a minor obstacle.

"Everyone has their set of challenges. And I think if anything, I've been able to inspire people to pick things up and move on because of the challenge. I think that's the bigger picture. And I think that's what I was I was probably placed on this earth to do," Ha said.

As the winner of Masterchef, Ha won $250,000 and a deal for a cookbook. The cookbook, Recipes from My Home Kitchen, will be out in May. For more information, click here!

  • Good Day Archive

  • Thursday, May 23 2013 10:09 AM EDT2013-05-23 14:09:40 GMT
    You might have dreamed about getting the chance to decide which of your coworkers should stay on the job, and which ones need to go. 
    You might have dreamed about getting the chance to decide which of your coworkers should stay on the job, and which ones need to go.  Does Someone Have to Go? is a new FOX reality show that lets employees take over for their bosses, and it premieres Thursday night! 
  • Thursday, May 23 2013 9:34 AM EDT2013-05-23 13:34:51 GMT
    Married to Medicine is the hottest new thing on Bravo, and the reality series is based right here in Atlanta! 
    Married to Medicine is the hottest new thing on Bravo, and the reality series is based right here in Atlanta!  Mariah HuQ, who is both a star and producer of the show, joined Good Day live to tell us all about the first season, and give us a preview of the upcoming reunion show.
  • Thursday, May 23 2013 9:27 AM EDT2013-05-23 13:27:50 GMT
    Memorial Day is almost upon us, and you can almost hear the grills firing up already! 
    Memorial Day is almost upon us, and you can almost hear the grills firing up already!  But before you get ready to host that big holiday weekend cookout, the grilling pros at The Cook's Warehouse has some advice for those who need it-- like Good Day's Paul Milliken.
Powered by WorldNow

KMSP-TV
11358 Viking Drive
Eden Prairie, MN 55344

Phone: (952) 944-9999
Fax: (952) 942-0455

Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices