As we celebrate 15 years of MitoCanada, we’re sharing the stories of those who make this community so special. Today, we’re highlighting Louise Gibson (@mymitojourney) — a passionate advocate, mitoAmbassador, and founder of Walk N’ Roll 4 Mito.
Louise began experiencing symptoms of mitochondrial disorder as a child — unexplained muscle fatigue and weakness. Her teachers misunderstood, and a gym teacher even told Louise’s mother that “Louise isn’t trying.” But her mother knew better. Louise’s attitude was always about doing her best. Eventually, she was referred to a neurology clinic in Montreal, and at age 18, she was finally diagnosed with mitochondrial disorder. At age 27, Louise was treated at McMaster Hospital. It’s at that time that her older sister Rita, who had been misdiagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth, was also diagnosed with mitochondrial disorder.
It took another 18 years to determine that both sisters had the TRMT5 deficiency. There were only two other known cases globally.
Living with mito hasn’t been easy, but Louise remains deeply committed to finding light and purpose. Her two adult children are unaffected by the disease. Louise is grateful for the unwavering support of all her family and friends.
Louise has never stopped giving back — whether it’s volunteering with Trillium Health Partners and Special Olympics Canada, sharing her lived experience with health care teams, or serving as a dedicated mitoAmbassador for MitoCanada. She also stays active with aquafit, which she calls her “medicine,” helping her manage mito and feel her best.
In 2015, Louise founded Walk N’ Roll 4 Mito in Mississauga, Ont., after participating in another walk for mito, where she realized she was the only person with mito walking the route. “When I finally finished, I was 40 minutes behind everyone else, and all the finishers were still there cheering me on,” she says. “The encouragement was so inspiring!” That moment sparked something big. Walk N’ Roll 4 Mito has since grown into a powerful, nationwide movement — and 2025 marks its 10th anniversary.
Louise now dedicates each walk to her sister Rita, who lost her battle with mito, and to all the lives lost too soon to mitochondrial disorder. “I want to show that doing something is better than nothing, and the more you push yourself, the better you feel,” she says. “Exercise is medicine, especially with mito disorders. Even though I can’t walk far anymore, I do what I can.”
Through her advocacy with MitoCanada, Louise hopes to see the organization continue building its strong foundation — expanding community support even further, and finding new ways to help improve the daily life for those living with mito.
She’s also passionate about raising awareness and funds for research. “It would have made a difference in my life and my sister Rita’s,” she says. “We may not have a cure yet — and I’m too old to benefit from mitochondrial transplantation — but the science is getting there.”
“I know I have mito,” Louise adds, “but mito doesn’t have me!”
Join us in fuelling the next 15 years. Every donation helps us continue this vital work and create a future where no one faces mito alone.
Be part of the journey. Support Louise’s MitoJourney today:
