MITO Awareness Overview
2009 International Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week
September 20 - September 26, 2009 is International Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week. During this week we renew our commitment to educate, support and advocate on behalf of mitochondrial disease patients and their families.
The mitochondria act as the “powerhouse” of the cell to produce energy for the body to live. Mitochondrial disease is an energy metabolism disorder that affects babies, children, and adults of all ages, races, and gender. Experts agree that at least 1 in 4000 children and adults have mitochondrial disease; however, "Mito" may be under diagnosed until improvements in diagnosis and awareness occur. Symptoms of “Mito” vary in type and severity, and may include profound muscle weakness and fatigue, seizures, gastrointestinal dysfunction, developmental delay, vision and hearing loss, and unexplained organ failure. Today there is no cure for mitochondrial disease; treatment is focused on energy conservation and vitamin therapy.
Mitochondrial dysfunction has been related to other diseases including autism, diabetes, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease and aging.
Join MitoAction in our mission to educate and raise awareness of this disabling disease by wearing a green awareness ribbon and joining in our campaign to "Educate 10,000 by 2010". MitoAction is asking patients, families & the community to invest in the lives of those affected by mitochondrial disease by pledging to share mitochondrial disease education postcards with at least 10 doctors, teachers, and community leaders this year. To request your free awareness kit and pledge to raise awareness, please contact info@mitoaction.org.
On Wednesday, September 23rd, at 10:00 a.m. internationally, families and friends are encouraged to "Light a Light for Mito” 
in honor and in memory of the babies, children and adults who have lost their battle with mitochondrial disease.
Click here to send a free e-card in honor of this day!
Advocacy is a major component of MitoAction’s mission. Advocates are people with mitochondrial disease, caregivers, friends and families whose voices together can help improve the lives of those living with mitochondrial disease.
Get involved and make your voice heard!
By becoming an advocate for MitoAction you will help to:
- Increase awareness of mitochondrial disease.
- Enhance and improve family care and support issues.
- Empower families and clinicians to be involved and educate and support others.
- Promote public policies that address the research and healthcare needs of the mitochondrial disease community.
We invite you to become an advocate and use your energy to make a difference in our fight against mitochondrial disease. Please take a look here at awareness and fundraising ideas for your community.
Questions and ideas welcome - email us! (Events@mitoaction.org)