EmilyIng

About Emily Ing

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So far Emily Ing has created 75 blog entries.

K100 Run (Alberta)

Kananaksis 100 Mile Relay (affectionately known as ‘K100’) is an annual hundred mile running relay race completed over Highwood Pass, the highest paved road in Canada, and located in the heart of Alberta, Canada. Occurring annually on the third weekend in June, this relay has been a long-running staple of Canada’s running culture.

K100 is the OG of Canadian running relay racing, beginning in 1987 and holding strong today. Teams of ten runners sign up to leave Longview, Alberta early on race morning and cover one hundred miles up and over 2,206 meters (7,238 feet) of elevation of Highwood Pass to finish at the Pomeroy Lodge in the heart of Kananaskis, Alberta. Kananaskis​ is an Alberta Provincial Park located approximately one hour and fifteen minutes west of Calgary and one hour east of Canmore and Banff National Park.

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2027 Community Events

MitoCommunity Events

Welcome to the heart of our community – where passionate individuals and groups across the country come together to support MitoCanada!

This page is your go-to destination for all the incredible events happening nationwide in support of those impacted by mitochondrial disease.

In Support of MitoCanada banner

We are deeply grateful to the dedicated individuals and organizations who take the time to plan and host these events. Your energy, commitment, and generosity make a profound impact, helping us raise awareness, foster connections, and fund essential programs that support the mito community.

Interested in Hosting Your Own Event?

We’d love to help bring your vision to life! Whether big or small, every community event contributes to our shared mission of improving the lives of those affected by mitochondrial disease. Browse our event listings below as a source of inspiration to host your own event or  join in the fun, take part in an exisitng event. Your support makes a difference!

Our Community Fundraisers

Rocking With Mito Fundraiser logo
HBBT Council Swing for a Cure Charity Golf Tournament logo

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Movement for Mito

Movement for Mito

Thank you to Kaylee and our friends at LivvWell Wellness Hub for hosting the inaugural Movement for Mito class in Airdrie, Alberta.

The event brought 10 participants together for a 50-minute yoga class thoughtfully and gently guided by instructor Cherokee Seufert. Participants also received special “Power Packs” from Kaylee, and MitoCanada Board member Carter Ensign joined the event to share more about MitoCanada and why raising funds and awareness for mitochondrial disease matters.⁠

Together, the community raised $774.75 for MitoCanada, with more than 15 people contributing to the fundraiser!
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Some words from Kaylee Buckler, community organizer of Movement for Mito:

Kaylee has lived with mitochondrial disease her whole life. At the age of four, Kaylee’s mother became suddenly ill after having a medical emergency at home. Through genetic testing, it was confirmed that she had MELAS,  During the next few years, she spent most of her time in the hospital and long-term living facilitates, until she unfortunately passed away at the age of 45. Twelve years later, Kaylee’s dad also developed similar symptoms, and was tested and diagnosed with Kearns Sayre Syndrome, another rare form of mitochondrial disease. He passed away shortly before her 19th birthday. She would also lose her aunt to MELAS in 2019.

This organization is extremely close to my heart, because it has severely impacted my family throughout my entire lifetime.  It has consumed my family planning efforts, my educational goals, emotional and physical capacity, and my occupational skills. Although I continue to try to be a light in my community, I would love to see further research to support a better understanding of mitochondrial disease, as I feel like it can have such a significant impact on affected families’ mental health and physical wellbeing. I appreciate the support of my friends and family in my many endeavours, and I am grateful for the opportunity to help bring awareness to mitochondrial disease.

Exercise as Medicine

Mitochondria are present in almost every cell in the human body. Creating more than 90% of our required energy, our mitochondria transform the food we eat and oxygen we breathe into essential energy, which keeps our hearts beating, lungs breathing, brains thinking, and bodies moving.

When mitochondria don’t function properly, they don’t produce the energy we need. Mitochondrial disease commonly affects energy-intensive systems such as the heart, liver, kidneys, brain, muscles, digestive tract, eyes and ears.

For those living with mitochondrial disease, daily exercise is essential to your health. From improving strength and energy levels to reducing fatigue, stress and anxiety, exercise offers many important benefits that can be gained with even small increases in physical activity.

If you have mitochondrial disease, safe and mindful exercises can be highly beneficial. Exercise can improve mitochondrial quantity and function, improve muscle strength, and help reduce fatigue.

The benefits of exercise extend to every part of the body and improve mitochondrial health. Exercise advantages for everyone include:

  • increasing production of healthy mitochondria which means more energy!
  • growing muscle strength and joint health
  • boosting energy and stamina
  • supporting brain health
  • helping to maintain blood pressure control
  • supporting the reduction of anxiety and depression
  • helping to maintain a healthy weight
  • increasing the body’s ability to use oxygen while exercising (VO2max)
  • improving quality of life

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Light Up for Miller

Light Up for Miller

Thank you to Taylor and Chris Collins and the White Rock community who came together at Memorial Park for the first annual Light Up for Miller, held in memory of Taylor and Chris’s son, Miller.

The incredible turnout made for a beautiful and meaningful evening. Friends, family, and community members gathered to connect, share a sweet treat, honour Miller’s life, and watch the White Rock Pier glow green on the final evening of World Mitochondrial Disease Week. Thank you to @mayasicecreamwhiterock , @sweetlifesouth_surrey, Irie Photographs, and @laurahynekphotography for generously supporting the event.⁠

Together, the community raised an incredible $6,024.16 for MitoCanada, helping support awareness, research, advocacy, and Canadians impacted by mitochondrial disease.

Taylor and Chris Collins lost their 5-month-old son Miller to an extremely rare form of MT-TL1-related mitochondrial disease in October 2025. Although devastatingly short, Miller lived a beautiful life surrounded by family and full of playdates with his baby friends. He spent the majority of his life at their family’s cabin in Point Roberts enjoying the fresh ocean air, sunshine, and walks along the beach all summer long.

Aside from some slight muscle weakness, he was healthy and symptom-free up until just weeks before his passing when the disease began to noticeably impact his breathing, feeding, and energy levels. He received the most incredible care from BC Children’s Hospital, but after receiving the diagnosis the family was heartbroken to learn that there were no treatments available and that Miller would not recover.

Taylor and Chris now want nothing more than to carry on their son’s memory and legacy in ways that continue to light up the world the way that Miller lit up theirs. After learning about Light Up for Mito, and that their favourite hometown landmark already participated in the movement, Taylor and Chris thought the pier would be the perfect location and opportunity to bring people together, share Miller’s story and help spread awareness about mitochondrial disease within their community.

Taylor and Chris hope that this gathering will serve as a meaningful addition to the Light Up for Mito campaign, and most importantly a beautiful way for Miller’s life to have a positive impact on the lives of other families who continue to live with, and be affected by mitochondrial disease.

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Sunset Picnic Gathering – Ottawa

Sunset Picnic Gathering

Thank you to families, friends, and community members in Ottawa for joining our Sunset Picnic Gathering in recognition of Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Month at Des Pionniers Park.

The gathering was inspired by Catherine, a young girl living with Leigh syndrome, this gathering was inspired by the simple way her family has learned to approach life since her diagnosis, by making time for one another, celebrating everyday moments, and creating memories together. It is an invitation to bring that spirit to the wider mitochondrial community.

The evening was a relaxing and welcoming opportunity for families and friends to take a moment to celebrate life, remember those we carry in our hearts, and share hope for the future. The gathering included a friendship bracelet station, mitochondrial disease information, and an opportunity to share messages of hope. As the sun began to set, attendees marked a special One Spark moment with green glow sticks, symbolizing the energy within our cells, the strength of the MitoCommunity, and hope for brighter futures. 

A heartfelt thank you to Stephanie Massicotte for bringing the Sunset Picnic Gathering to life, and to everyone who joined and helped raise awareness of mitochondrial disease in the Ottawa community.

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Community Events

MitoCommunity Events

Welcome to the heart of our community – where passionate individuals and groups across the country come together to support MitoCanada!

This page is your go-to destination for all the incredible events happening nationwide in support of those impacted by mitochondrial disease.

We are deeply grateful to the dedicated individuals and organizations who take the time to plan and host these events. Your energy, commitment, and generosity make a profound impact, helping us raise awareness, foster connections, and fund essential programs that support the mito community.

Interested in Hosting Your Own Event?

We’d love to help bring your vision to life! Whether big or small, every community event contributes to our shared mission of improving the lives of those affected by mitochondrial disease. Browse our event listings below as a source of inspiration to host your own event or  join in the fun, take part in an exisitng event. Your support makes a difference!

Our Community Fundraisers for Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Month (September)

Our Past Community Fundraisers

Frankie G Pub Night logo
Frankie G Pub Night logo
HBBT Council Swing for a Cure Charity Golf Tournament logo
Rocking With Mito Fundraiser logo

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Mito Glow Walk

Mito Glow Walk – Saskatoon

Thank you to those who walked with Tanner and all the Mito warriors who are living with mitochondrial disease for the annual Glow Walk. Each year on Light Up for Mito day, friends, family, and members of the community dress in bright green and glowing gear and gather to walk for Tanner and all the mito warriors who have fought or continue to fight mitochondrial disease.⁠

Meet Tanner 

Tanner was the baby who completed Leeanne and Patrick Wilson’s family, joining his big brother, Nolan.  But as Tanner grew, they noticed he wasn’t hitting his milestones. He was slower to walk and talk and had mild eye abnormalities. ⁠
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After countless medical visits and tests, a fall sent Tanner to the ER. An MRI revealed a devastating diagnosis: Leigh syndrome, a rare mitochondrial disease.⁠
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Searching for answers, the Wilsons connected with Dr. Aneal Khan, who gave them more clarity. It was also Dr. Khan who suggested they connect with MitoCanada and attend an upcoming conference. There, Leeanne says, they “found their tribe.”
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Now 12 years old, Tanner continues to amaze his family with his strength and spirit. “He is a strong warrior, a determined young man who, despite the challenges of mito, approaches life with remarkable resilience,” Leeanne says.

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In Loving Memory of Kailani Gorzo

In Loving Memory: Kailani Gorzo, a loving 14-year-old girl who brought so much light into this world. 

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Kailani Gorzo. Kailani was beautiful, she meant everything to her family and friends, and her love ran deep. Being around her made you feel special, seen, and truly loved.

She found happiness in the simplest and most beautiful things, butterflies, rainbows, and her favourite colour purple. She had a playful spirit and loved to be silly, always making people laugh in her own unique way. Kailani also had her own special kind of sass, a spark of personality that made her unforgettable and brought so much joy to everyone around her.

She adored her two pets, Charlie, her loyal dog, and Caramel, her sweet guinea pig. They were a big part of her world and brought her comfort on even the hardest days.

Kailani spent much of her life at the Children’s Hospital, where she became more than just a patient, she became part of their family.

The doctors and nurses knew her well and loved her deeply. Even through everything she faced, Kailani showed incredible strength, courage, and resilience. She never lost her spirit, her warmth, or her ability to bring smiles to others.

Our hearts are broken without her. Her smile, her laughter, and her beautiful soul are deeply missed every single day. Though her time here was far too short, the love she gave and the memories she left behind will stay with us forever.

This page is created in her memory, to honour her life, her strength, and the love she shared with the world. Thank you for helping us keep Kailani’s spirit alive and for supporting us in remembering the amazing girl she was.

At the request of Kailani’s family, donations may be made to MitoCanada in her memory, honouring the life, strength, and love she shared. 

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The Great Clyde Challenge Trivia Night

The Great Clyde Challenge Trivia Night

On Saturday, September 26, teams gathered at Creemore Station on the Green for the inaugural Great Clyde Challenge Trivia Night. It was a fun evening of trivia, laughs, prizes, raffles, a 50/50 draw, and great company, all in support of MitoCanada.

A huge thank you to organizer Courtney Hubbert and her phenomenal group of volunteers for making the night happen, and to everyone who played, cheered, donated, or helped out. Together, the trivia teams helped raise an incredible $6,916.38 to support Canadians impacted by mitochondrial disease!

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Dinks for a Difference with YYC Pickleball

Serve, Rally and Make an Impact at Dinks for a Difference

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make the first-annual Dinks for a Difference Classic such a success.

Together, our pickleballers helped raise more than $3,800 in support of MitoCanada. All proceeds went towards supporting Canadians living with mitochondrial disease through education, support, awareness and transformational research.

A special thank you to the team at YYC Pickleball, especially owner Ivy Chan, for hosting this incredible fundraiser in support of MitoCanada. Thank you as well to Tonya Blazosek for her support with planning and the event and auction. Community fundraisers like this help raise awareness, inspire conversations about mitochondrial disease, and provide vital support for MitoCanada’s mission.⁠

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