I usually write my own blog entries, but I need to pass this on.
This month marks two years that I have been on disability due to mitochondrial myopathy.
September 16 – September 22, 2007 is National 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.
Mitochondrial disease is progressive, and characteristically affects multiple organs. Infants, children and adults die as a result of mitochondrial disease. While today there is no cure for mitochondrial disease, vitamin and supplement therapies may help slow symptoms such as muscle weakness, vision and hearing loss, and cardiac or liver failure.
Mitochondrial disease affects babies, children, and adults of all ages, races, and gender. One in 4000 individuals will develop mitochondrial disease by the age of 10; however, “Mito” may be under diagnosed until improvements in diagnosis and awareness occur. Additionally, mitochondrial dysfunction has been related to diseases of aging, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Join MitoAction in our mission to educate and raise awareness of this disabling and progressive metabolic disease by wearing a green awareness ribbon.
On Wednesday, September 19th, at 10:00 a.m. internationally, families and friends will “Light a Light for Mito” as we celebrate and support all who are afflicted by mitochondrial disease and remember the infants, children and adults who have lost their battle with mitochondrial disease.
MitoAction is a 501(c)3 charity formally incorporated in 2005 to provide programs and resources centered on support, education, and advocacy for patients and families affected by mitochondrial disease.
Learn more, show your support and request your green awareness ribbon at www.MitoAction.org.
