All articles tagged with #osteogenesis imperfecta
Melanie Watson, an actress known for her role on 'Diff’rent Strokes' and a disability advocate who used her platform to raise awareness for people with disabilities, has died at age 57 in Colorado Springs. She was born with brittle bone disease and used her work to promote inclusion and support for the disabled community.
Melanie Watson Bernhardt, known for her role as Kathy on 'Diff'rent Strokes,' has died at age 57 in Colorado Springs. She was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, used a wheelchair, and her role provided significant disability representation on TV. She expressed mixed feelings about her acting career but acknowledged the importance of her role in TV history.
Dr. Pamela Smith, a pediatric endocrinologist and metabolic bone disorder specialist at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, not only treats osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) but also has the disease herself. OI, also known as brittle bone disorder, is a genetic illness that leads to weak bones and other complications. Dr. Smith's personal experience with OI informs her approach to care, providing relief and understanding to patients and their families facing similar diagnoses.