There’s no denying it—Danelle Umstead is one tough cookie. This three-time Paralympian bronze medalist has faced more challenges in her life than most of us could even imagine. From living with vision loss due to an inherited retinal disease (IRD) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP) to battling multiple sclerosis (MS), Danelle has shown incredible resilience. At 47 years old, she continues to inspire countless people around the globe.
In a heartfelt interview with Closer Weekly, the beloved alpine skier opened up about her diagnosis with MS in 2010 and how it has shaped her life as a mother. Her story is not just about overcoming obstacles but also about finding strength in the people who matter most to her.
View this post on InstagramOur son just finished a week-long hockey camp in Brainerd, Minnesota! They worked so hard on the ice, in the classroom, and in the gym every day. We are super proud of him for taking on this challenge. I guess he learned that hard work pays off by watching his parents constantly train in their sport. – It’s so beautiful here, but we leave in the morning for Boston. Stay tuned!✈️ #LiveYourImpossible
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Motherhood and Resilience: Danelle's Story
As a mom, Danelle says she feels an added responsibility to be strong for her 12-year-old son, Brocton, whom she shares with her long-time husband and ski guide, Rob Umstead. "You find yourself trying to be stronger for your child," she told Closer Weekly in an exclusive interview. "It helped me in more ways than one."
Facing MS with Courage
Looking back, Danelle recalls the early days after her MS diagnosis nearly a decade ago. She remembers the challenges of managing her treatment while raising her son. "Every time I got a shot, my son would sit there and ask me what was wrong," she explained. "I’d tell myself to be strong and breathe through it." Over time, these moments became lessons in courage for both mother and son.
Danelle proudly shared how exposing Brocton to her MS treatments taught him the value of resilience. "To this day, whenever he gets a shot, he says, 'I’m just being strong, breathing,'" she said with a smile. "I’m always trying to show my son a better life, encouraging him to push past obstacles and find new ways to be his personal best."
The Struggles of Living with Vision Loss and MS
Despite her determination, Danelle acknowledges that life isn’t easy. Being legally blind means she can’t drive or see the expressions on her son’s face. But she’s found ways to connect with him through love, hugs, and touch. "He gets a six-second hug from me all the time," she joked. "And he can’t just run away. We hold it in for six seconds because it’s super important!"
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Family as Her Anchor
Luckily, Danelle has a strong support system in her family. Her husband, Rob, is her rock, often encouraging her to get up and keep moving forward, even on tough days. "He’ll tell me, 'Get up! Let’s go!'" she said. "Having a community of people who love you and listen to you is incredibly important for me."
Danelle emphasized the importance of gratitude in her life. "Every night before I go to bed, I’m thankful for what I do have, not what I don’t," she explained. "And every morning, I wake up and say what I’m thankful for. I try to let the people in my life know how much I appreciate them. I hope they know that."
A Message of Hope
If you want to learn more about IRDs and how rare eye disorders can be caused by inherited gene mutations, Danelle encourages you to visit EyeWantToKnow. It’s a resource designed to help others understand these conditions better.
