Retired Marine Corps veteran Danial Payne is looking forward to a heartfelt Valentine’s Day dinner with his wife, Mary Payne, after years of battling debilitating tremors. For nearly two decades, Payne has been known as the “Voice of the Veterans Parade” in the San Joaquin Valley, but his ability to play the guitar and enjoy life was significantly hindered by a neurological condition.
The onset of his symptoms began approximately twelve years ago. During a dinner party, he realized the extent of his condition when he struggled to bring a fork full of peas to his lips. “They’re going everywhere,” Payne recalled. Concerned about the possibility of Parkinson’s disease, he sought help from his doctor at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Fresno.
In 2020, he received a diagnosis of Essential Tremor (ET), a condition affecting over 7 million people in the United States. This diagnosis prompted a new treatment approach for Payne. He began using the Cala kIQ System, a non-invasive wearable device designed to alleviate tremors.
Dr. Kate Rosenbluth, President and Founder of Cala Health, explained how the device works: “It measures the patient’s tremors using motion sensors and delivers stimulation to the median and radial nerves at the wrist. This interrupts the tremor signals sent to the brain and provides relief.”
After a year of using the Cala kIQ System, the 71-year-old veteran experienced a significant improvement in his condition. The device, which resembles a wristwatch, allowed him to regain control over his movements.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, Payne expresses gratitude for his wife, who has supported him throughout his recovery journey. “For the first time in a long time, I can enjoy a comfortable dinner with Mary without the stress of shaking,” he shared. The simple act he looks forward to most is holding her hand across the table. “Just the fact that I could reach across the table and hold her hand… that was simple. I couldn’t do it before.”
Payne’s experience serves as a beacon of hope for other veterans facing similar challenges. He encourages them to explore the potential benefits of the Cala kIQ System, stating, “Try this device, see if it works for you like it did for me and get your life back.”
As he looks forward to a special Valentine’s Day, Payne’s story highlights the resilience of individuals facing health challenges and the importance of support from loved ones. His journey reflects not only personal triumph but also the ongoing fight against conditions like Essential Tremor that affect millions.
