2025 MitoScholars Helping young adults living with mitochondrial disease pursue their academic dreams

Fraser Currie | Victoria, British Columbia | Trades – Welding (first year), Camosun College

Fraser Currie understands first-hand what it’s like to have a mitochondrial disease, his mom lives with MNGIE (mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalopathy), a rare mitochondrial disease that leads to a deficiency in an enzyme that is responsible for breaking down nucleosides. Without this particular enzymes nucleosides build up to toxic levels which damage mitochondrial DNA and impairs energy production.

Fraser shares: “I watch my mom deal with MNGIE every single day and it’s given me an appreciation for those withmitochondrial diseases and the need for a positive mindset. Even though she may have a “rough night she is alwayspositive and looking to help others.”

Fraser also supports his mom with the annual “Hazel’s Light Up for Mito” walk she organizes every fall. The event has been growing in popularity each year Hazel has held it, with more and more people coming out. Hazel works tirelessly to get businesses, churches, municipal halls and buildings to “light up”with a green light for a night. She then leads a walk around the city to observe all the green. Fraser also attends the Victoria MitoSpin event Hazel and supporters organize in the winter.

Fraser shares, “I am proud to be selected as a MitoScholar this year. This generous award will help offset costs of my post-secondary education at Camosun College. I’m excited to be starting on my journey in the trades and am so grateful that MitoCanada is supporting me. MitoCanada has always been supportive of my family and the challenges we face with an ultra rare mitochondrial disease.”