Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week

Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week is September 18-24. 

Mitochondria are:

• Tiny organelles found in almost every cell in the body.
• They are known as the "powerhouse of the cell."
• They are responsible for creating more than 90% of cellular energy.
• They are necessary in the body to sustain life and support growth.
• They are composed of tiny packages of enzymes that turn nutrients into cellular energy
• Mitochondrial failure causes cell injury that leads to cell death. When multiple organ cells die there is organ failure.

MITO HAPPENS!  IT IS NOT AS RARE AS YOU WOULD BELIEVE!

About one in 4,000 children in the United States will develop mitochondrial disease by the age of 10 years.

THERE IS NO CURE FOR MITOCHONDRIAL DISEASE.

All families can do is treat symptoms, and try to slow the progression of the disease. 

Marie had Leigh's Disease, it is one of the most severe forms of Mitochondrial Disease.  She fought hard and we are so proud of her... still, there are so many children and adults who are fighting.  It is hard to loose someone to a disease no-one knows about or understands.

Please, in memory of our Little Mama pass along the information about Mitochondrial Disease this week.

You can learn more by visiting MitoAction.

On Wednesday join us in Light a Light for Mito and light a candle in memory of all of those who have fought Mitochondrial Disease and were called Home. 

Every day we miss our Princess... Please join us in the HOPE FOR A CURE!!!

Marie, wide eyed at the Downtown Aquarium in Denver, CO August 2009...