2024 MitoScholars Helping young adults living with mitochondrial disease pursue their academic dreams

Ethan Pruchnicki | Innisfil, Ontario | Science and Business (first year), University of Waterloo

Meet Ethan, a mito brother and athlete. Ethan’s brother has been diagnosed with pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency (PDCD), a rare neurodegenerative disorder that affects the body’s ability to convert carbohydrates into energy. Symptoms may include intermittent loss of balance or coordination (ataxia), low muscle tone, abnormal eye movements, and sometimes seizures.

These two brothers are a dynamic duo; volunteering, working out at the gym, or watching their favourite shows together, they enjoy spending quality time together. Ethan shares,

“My life has been improved significantly by my brother. He has always inspired me to push past my limits; whenever I’m competing in sports, he cheers me on and tells me to work harder. One of my favourite pastimes is playing basketball with my brother in the driveway. Additionally, helping my brother with his homework reminds me to get mine done as well. MitoCanada has been a great support to my family. I am honoured to receive this scholarship as it will help me start my university career, and I am extremely grateful to MitoCanada and the MitoCommunity for their support.”