Valley veteran regains control from tremors, looks forward to Valentine's Day dinner with wife

Retired Marine Corps veteran Danial Payne credits a breakthrough wearable device for restoring his music, service, and cherished moments with his wife.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Retired Marine Corps veteran Danial Payne struggled with severe tremors for over a decade, which impacted his ability to play guitar and participate in his role as the "Voice of the Veterans Parade" in Fresno, California. After being diagnosed with Essential Tremor in 2020, Payne began using a wearable, non-invasive device called the Cala kIQ System, which has dramatically improved his tremors. This Valentine's Day, Payne is looking forward to enjoying a comfortable dinner with his wife of nearly 50 years, Mary, without the stress of uncontrollable shaking.

Why it matters

Essential Tremor is a neurological condition that affects over 7 million patients in the United States, often making simple tasks like eating a meal or playing an instrument extremely difficult. Payne's story highlights how innovative medical devices can dramatically improve the quality of life for those suffering from this condition, allowing them to regain control and participate in the activities and relationships they cherish.

The details

Payne first noticed the onset of his severe tremors about a dozen years ago, with the shaking becoming increasingly worse over time. He was initially concerned it could be Parkinson's disease, but was ultimately diagnosed with Essential Tremor in 2020. The Cala kIQ System, a wearable device that delivers stimulation to the median and radial nerves at the patient's wrist, has provided Payne with significant relief from his tremors over the past year. Payne credits his wife, Mary, for supporting him throughout his journey to recovery.

  • Payne first noticed the onset of his severe tremors about a dozen years ago.
  • Payne was diagnosed with Essential Tremor in 2020.
  • Payne has been using the Cala kIQ System for the past year.

The players

Danial Payne

A retired Marine Corps veteran who struggled with severe tremors for over a decade, impacting his ability to play guitar and participate in his role as the "Voice of the Veterans Parade" in Fresno, California.

Mary Payne

Danial Payne's wife of nearly 50 years, who has supported him throughout his journey to regain control of his tremors.

Dr. Kate Rosenbluth

The President and Founder of Cala Health, the company that developed the Cala kIQ System, a wearable device that has provided Payne with significant relief from his Essential Tremor.

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What they’re saying

“I got a fork full of peas and I'm bringing it to my lips and they're going everywhere.”

— Danial Payne, Retired Marine Corps Veteran (abc30.com)

“Of course, I was concerned that it was going to be Parkinson's.”

— Danial Payne, Retired Marine Corps Veteran (abc30.com)

“It actually measures patient's tremors using motion sensors on board the device, and then delivers stimulation to the median and radial nerves at the patient's wrist in order to send the signal to the brain that actually interrupts the tremor and provides them relief.”

— Dr. Kate Rosenbluth, President and Founder of Cala Health (abc30.com)

“Just the fact that I could reach across the table and hold her hand. That was simple. Couldn't do it.”

— Danial Payne, Retired Marine Corps Veteran (abc30.com)

“Try this device, see if it works for you like it did for me and get your life back.”

— Danial Payne, Retired Marine Corps Veteran (abc30.com)

What’s next

Payne plans to continue using the Cala kIQ System to manage his Essential Tremor and looks forward to enjoying many more Valentine's Day dinners with his wife, Mary, without the stress of uncontrollable shaking.

The takeaway

Payne's story demonstrates the life-changing impact that innovative medical devices can have for those suffering from neurological conditions like Essential Tremor. By regaining control of his tremors, Payne has been able to reconnect with the activities and relationships he cherishes, serving as an inspiring example for others facing similar challenges.