On Wednesday's episode of "Top Chef," the only contestant from Wisconsin told the other competitors that he has Kennedy's Disease.
The neurological disease is similar to ALS and can eventually deprive people of the ability to walk, swallow or speak. It's a progressive illness. The Kennedy's Disease Association says on its website that symptoms usually appear between age 30 and 50, and life expectancy is near normal.
Dan Jacobs has used his fame to raise awareness and money to research a cure for Kennedy's Disease.
Jacobs and Dan Van Rite, who co-own Milwaukee restaurants EsterEv and DanDan, organize a yearly fundraising event called DimSum and Give Some. The event brings in world renowned chefs, including James Beard award winners, to create dishes and raise money. Jacobs has raised more than $900,000 for Kennedy's Disease research since he was diagnosed in 2016, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
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In an article this week, Jacobs told Parade magazine the he sought treatment after experiencing weakness while exercising.
He told the magazine that he wore knee braces and braces on his legs during the show and used a cane during rest periods. He said he didn't tell the other contestants right away because he didn't want to be treated differently.
He said he hopes being on Top Chef inspires other people with a disability to "push a little harder, do a little more."