Mitochondrial disease (mito) is a debilitating genetic disorder that robs the body’s cells of energy, causing multiple organ dysfunction or failure and potentially death. The harsh facts:
- Mito affects 1 in 4300 people, making it one of the most commonly diagnosed genetic diseases
- One in 200 people, or more than 130,000 Australians, may carry genetic changes that put them at risk of developing mito or mito-related symptoms such as seizures, strokes, severe developmental delays and dementia, in their lifetimes
- There are many forms of mito; it is highly complex and can affect anyone at any age
- Mito is often terminal: there are no cures and few effective treatments
This is why The Bloody Long Walk is so important. Not only does the event raise awareness of this disease, it also raises vital funds to enable much-needed support to patients and their families and essential research into the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure of mitochondrial disorders.
The money you raise through The Bloody Long Walk will help people like Noah and Alana, and will enable the Mito Foundation to continue its vital work – thank you.
The Bloody Long Walk is owned and operated by the Mito Foundation.
Visit mito.org.au for more information about mito.
Noah's Story
Noah’s favourite thing is to make people laugh, with Star Wars coming a close second! But behind his gorgeous smile, Noah bravely fights mito. In his nine short years, he has undergone countless medical procedures. He has had multiple stroke-like episodes, which occur without warning, each one causing significant brain damage.
Despite being fed by a tube and having to rely on his wheelchair, Noah is determined to live life to the full. Ask him how he feels and he says “I choose to be happy.”
“He’s my world, all I want is to find a cure for my boy.” – Kat, Noah’s mum, will take on The Bloody Long Walk for the fourth time.
Register today to walk 35km and help find a cure for mito!