2026 MitoScholars Helping young adults living with mitochondrial disease pursue their academic dreams

Cole “CJ” Pruchniki | Innisfil, Ontario | Community Integration Through Co-operative Education, Georgian College

Cole “CJ” Pruchnicki was diagnosed with Mitochondrial Complex 1 and Leigh’s disease due to pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency (PDCD), a rare mitochondrial disorder, when he was one year old. PDCD affects the body’s ability to turn nutrients into energy and can cause a range of neurological and movement challenges. For Cole, it affects his mobility and speech.

Cole has never let these challenges stop him from pursuing greater independence. He uses a wheelchair to travel between classes and technology to communicate when people don’t understand him. Throughout high school, he has also worked hard to become a stronger self-advocate, gaining the confidence to ask questions, request support and speak up for what he needs.

Cole is part of the Cippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nations. He enjoys going to events in his community like pow-wows and spending time in nature. Cole also plays volt hockey, essentially hockey but played in a go-kart.

This September, Cole begins the Community Integration Through Co-operative Education (CICE) program at Georgian College. He is looking forward to college life, developing new skills and giving back to his community through the program’s field placement opportunities.

Cole hopes his own journey will show other young people living with mitochondrial disease and disabilities that post-secondary education is possible.

Cole shares, “Thank you for selecting me for this scholarship; it means a lot to me as a person with mito. I feel very supported and welcome in the community, and it brings me joy to see fellow mito kids going to College/University too!”