What is mitochondrial disease?

If you would have asked me this a year ago, I would have told you that I didn't have a clue what it was. I had never even heard of it. I hate to even admit that I didn't know what mitochondria were. Unfortunately, I can now say I know what it is. However, so many people still don't know about mitochondrial disease, and we need to raise awareness so that a cure can be found.

Mitochondrial disease is a disease that affects your energy. If your mitochondria aren't working, then your body doesn't have the energy it needs to function. A friend that we have met on this journey has a son and daughter with mitochondrial disease, too, and she explained it like this......

The mitochondria are equivalent to a battery. They make the power for things to work. When the TV remote's battery dies, the remote can't do a thing until the battery is replaced. You may be able to coax a few more uses out of that battery. You take the cover off and spin the batteries. You shake and hit the remote. If you stand in just the right spot, you may get the volume adjusted a bit. But, ultimately, you know the battery is done. The same works for our mitochondria. When they are sick, they lose the ability to power our body. We can do little things to improve their function... take vitamins, avoid stressors, preserve the energy used, but ultimately, the mitochondria are failing. But, unlike the TV remote, there is no way to replace the power source. No fix. No treatment. No cure.

My hope and dream is to find a cure. I hope to one day hear Cal talk. I hope to one day see him walk. I hope for the day that he can give me a hug. I hope for so many things that so many take forgranted. I hope that some day we will talk about the medical obstacles that he has overcome. I hope for a miracle!

Our only hope for finding that cure is by raising awareness and supporting research so that a cure can be found. There will be a walk in Houston on February 5th to raise awareness for this disease. It is very similar to the walks for cancer and other diseases. We have a team that will be walking in honor of Cal. If you would be interested in going to Houston and walking with us, we would LOVE to have you! We will have shirts made for our team that we will wear for the walk. Just let me know if you want to join us. If you can't be there, there is a virtual walker option where you could walk with us on the computer from your home. I will let you know more about that the closer it gets if you are interested. If you would like to help but can't walk with us, we would appreciate any donations. Your donations will go towards finding a cure for this disease. Any support whether it be walking with us or donating to the cause is appreciated. Please help us spread the word and put an end to this devastating disease!