Horror as Top Chef star reveals daughter, 8, has rare disease that is ‘disintegrating’ her bones

One of the former contestants on the competition show Top Chef has been facing a  family challenge.

Hosea Rosenberg’s daughter Sophia, eight, is battling a rare disease.

On a recent Thursday, I found myself delving into an important topic close to my heart – my child’s battle with Multicentric Carpotarsal Osteolysis, or MCTO for short. This genetic condition is unique in its progressive bone deterioration, primarily targeting the bones of the wrists and ankles. It’s a challenging journey we’re navigating together, but understanding this condition better helps us make informed decisions about our lifestyle.

This condition is frequently confused with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis because it shares similar early signs, such as joint discomfort and inflammation.

In one set of images, Sophia was depicted both sketching from a hospital bed and interacting with her two adorable pugs. Additional photographs displayed her relaxing on a sandy beach alongside a companion.

What’s up with Sophie, your daughter? I get asked this question a lot and her situation isn’t simple. Like many aspects of life, it’s all about how you look at things,” said Rosenberg, who won season 5 of Top Chef, as he started to provide an update on his family.

Instead of being typically strong and healthy for an 8-year-old child, she falls short in this regard. For several years now, her foot size has remained small, similar to that of a toddler. Moreover, her hands are beginning to display deformities and they have become quite weak.

And Sophia can’t do things that normal kids can do. 

In my case, I face some challenges. Climbing stairs is difficult for me, biking isn’t an option, and I require assistance when it comes to opening things. I tire easily and can’t manage long walks. My kidneys aren’t functioning optimally, and there are parts of my skeleton that are completely absent.

Sophia loves school, dance and laughing, is was added.

Today, just like every six weeks, she received an infusion at Children’s Hospital Colorado. On a daily basis, she needs to administer several medications twice a day, as Rosenberg explained.

‘She wears splints on her legs and arms when she sleeps.’

‘She wears braces on her legs every single day. She sees different therapists every week. 

She frequently visits doctors’ offices and hospitals due to her deteriorating bone condition, which we have yet to find a way to prevent.

However, the beaming father emphasized that what he’s certain of is his daughter’s dedication to giving her very best, and that she has an abundance of love and encouragement at her disposal.

‘So how is Sophie doing? She’s amazing,’ Rosenberg concluded his caption.

Rosenberg is the owner and executive chef of restaurants in Boulder. 

His menus highlight local, seasonal ingredients with an emphasis on sustainable sourcing. 

Hosea’s journey into cooking started during his studies for an Engineering Physics degree at the University of Colorado.

Back in April 2020, Rosenberg shared with his followers that his young daughter, who was three at the time, had been diagnosed with MCTO.

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2025-07-25 22:48

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