My name is Keith and I am a civil engineer technologist and a vice president of a civil construction company in Kelowna, BC.

I am married, have an adult stepson, and an Australian Labradoodle named Parker. I enjoy music, both listening to it and playing (not well) my guitar. Health advocacy is important to me as I live with persistent neuropathic pain, unrelated to mitochondrial disease. I am a co-author of peer-reviewed published articles, guest lecturer at universities, and present at conferences throughout North America.

My experiences with MitoCanada include supporting Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week initiatives, including a City of Kelowna proclamation, lighting up the iconic Spirit of Sail sculpture green, assisting in the development of education resources and most recently joining MitoCanada’s Strategy for Rare Disease Drugs committee. I am focused on raising awareness and understanding of mitochondrial disease through social media; as one living with a mitochondrial disease, it is important to me to raise awareness of this rare disease. Most people, both in society and in health care, have little to no knowledge of this health condition, especially the significant effects on infants and children.

My vision for MitoCanada is to increase public awareness and understanding of mitochondrial disease, further collaboration with all levels of government, advance research for diagnosis and treatment, and expand resources and support for those living with mitochondrial disease.