Our Stories
Sandra's Story
Sandra Russell is a mother of two boys, ages 22 and 18. It's no wonder she's tired after raising two boys, with her husband Gordon, and co-owning and running a chain of retail stores. But her fatigue was more than the norm, says Gordon. "The first noticeable symptom was her hearing loss, and she had trouble keeping up with the busy pace of our life. I became frustrated with this as I felt like I was always having to remind her of the tasks she was supposed to be doing."
- May 27, 2008
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Janis' Story
Six year old Janis enjoys life in Maine with her adoptive parents Tom and Karen Kohlmeyer.. She was born with the inability to tolerate food and ended up with a fundoplication and a G tube at the weight of just over 9 pounds. She was abandoned at the hospital but soon after embraced by a loving family.
- May 27, 2008
- Comments: 1
Joey's Story
Joey’s smile lights up the world and the hearts of those who know him. He is a beautiful three year old boy with thick dark hair, large brown eyes, and a contagious smile.
Within hours of his birth, Joey began to have seizures which are now only partially controlled by medication. Joey was diagnosed with Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy when he was seven months old. Mito robbed Joey of the ability to walk, sit, stand, speak and swallow but it hasn’t robbed Joey of his joy for life.
- Mar 13, 2008
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Brianna's Story
Brianna Couture
You may hear Brianna singing in local musicals or see her teach Tai Kwon Do to children. You may notice her lovely voice and her smile. You may notice the blackbelt that she wears at Tai Kwon Do. But you probably won’t notice mitochondrial disease. Brianna was diagnosed with mitochondrial disease as an infant but has not let it get in the way of her dreams.
- Aug 1, 2007
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Malisa
Graduating from high school, going to college, living away from home, having a boyfriend, getting a job, getting married, going on a honeymoon, having children, owning your own home…
At 28 yrs old, these are all things I have accomplished or want to accomplish in my life. Yet they are also things that have been challenging for me to achieve because of the daily struggles of living with Mitochondrial disease (mito).
- Jun 29, 2007
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