EmilyIng

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So far Emily Ing has created 68 blog entries.

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

Gather your team and join us for the inaugural Great Clyde Challenge Trivia Night, a community-led evening of  fun in support of MitoCanada.

With trivia, laughs, prizes, raffles, a 50/50 draw and great company, it's a chance to have fun, bring people together, and make a meaningful difference for Canadians impacted by mitochondrial disease.

Not playing trivia? Spectator admission is just $5 at the door! Come enjoy the atmosphere, cheer on your friends and be part of a fun community night in support of MitoCanada.

Whether you are a trivia expert, a sideline supporter, or simply looking for a great night out,  everyone is welcome!

Trivia Night Event Details

📅 Saturday, September 26th, 2026

🕢 6:00 PM doors open, 6:30 PM trivia starts

📍 Creemore Station on the Green (10 Caroline St E, Creemore, ON) 

✨ Registration - $100 per team (Teams of 6-8 players)

 Team spots are limited and advance registration is required. Once teams are full, there will be no walk-in trivia participants.

To register:
📱 (705) 888-9902

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Dinks for a Difference with YYC Pickleball

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

Get ready to rally for a cause for a fun-filled community pickleball tournament at YYC Pickleball in support of MitoCanada. Whether you are new to the game or a seasoned competitor, this event brings together players of all skill levels for an exciting day of pickleball, connection and impact.

All proceeds help support Canadians living with mitochondrial disease through education, support, awareness and transformational research.

Event Details

📅 Saturday, July 25th, 2026 

🕚 8:00am – 4:00pm MST 

📍YYC PickleBall, 1108 53 Ave NE Units 100-102, Calgary, AB, T2E 6N9

🎟️ Registration Fee: $60

Registration

*Before registering, please have both members of your team create individual accounts with YYC Pickleball so waivers can be signed and you can register as a team!

There are three different divisions to choose from with corresponding court times:

  • Beginner Division (2.0–2.99) – 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM
    Perfect for newer players looking for a fun and welcoming tournament experience – REGISTER HERE 
  • Intermediate Division (3.0–3.49) – 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM
    A balanced division for players with developing strategy and competitive play experience – REGISTER HERE
  • Advanced Division (3.5+) – 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
    Fast-paced, high-energy competition for experienced players. Tournament structure may be adjusted depending on registration numbers – REGISTER HERE

Volunteers

YYC Pickleball is currently looking for volunteers to help make this inaugural event a success. If you’re interested in volunteering, please sign up using the button below.

Fundraise to Support MitoCanada

Dinks for a Difference participants are encouraged to help support the cause and can do so in a number of ways:

  • Create a fundraising page using the sign up form below
  • Make a direct donation by using the donation form below
  • Share Dinks for a Difference with your friends, family, colleagues

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Move4Mito

Let’s Move4Mito

We invite the MitoCommunity, and Canadians across the country, to Move4Mito in support of children, adults and families living with mitochondrial disease.

Beginning during Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Month (MDAM) this September, Move4Mito is an inclusive, accessible initiative that brings people together through movement-based activities, all year long.

From community favourites like Walk N’ Roll and Spin4Mito to creative event ideas like dance-a-thons, yoga classes or team challenges, every movement counts. Whether you walk, roll, dance, stretch or move in your own way, you are helping raise awareness, build connection and support for the community. 

Explore our 2026 Move4Mito Events

Launch an event this September, plan one later in the year, or join an activity taking place near you!

Interested in Hosting a Move4Mito Event?

Complete the form below, and our Director of Donor and Community Engagement, Emily, will be in touch to help you plan your event.

Be Part of the Movement – Become a Sponsor 

Sponsor Benefits:

  • Brand Visibility & Recognition across all Move4Mito campaigns
  • Community Impact & Corporate Social Responsibility
  • Direct Engagement Opportunities

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Mermaids for Mito

Make a Splash for Mitochondrial Disease

Join the mermaids of Oak Bay, BC for a friendly plunge to raise awareness and support for mitochondrial disease. The first annual Mermaids for Mito is a community-driven gathering where connection comes first. Whether you dip your toes in the water or simply enjoy the shoreline, everyone is welcome to come! Coffee and snacks will be provided, and an uplifting vibe with music and a bubble machine will keep you energized.

Event Details

📅 Saturday, May 23, 2026

🕚 11:00 AM

📍Beach at McMicking Park, off Radcliffe Lane, Oak Bay

  • Parking is limited, please consider biking or walking if possible
  • If driving: Park on Beach Drive or Newport and follow Hood Lane to Radcliffe Lane to the beach

🎟️ Event is free, donations are encouraged below in support of MitoCanada

👕 Show your support to those living with mitochondrial disease by wearing green. Don’t forget a towel! 

If you cannot join us, support our group by making a donation below! 

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Awareness Month Flag Raising Initiative

Flag Raising Initiative for Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Month 

As part of the inaugural Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Month, the mitoCommunity is encouraged to bring awareness to those living with mitochondrial disease and MitoCanada in their communities. One meaningful way to do this is by requesting your local municipal building fly the MitoCanada flag during a week or the whole month of September.

If your community does not offer building lightings or proclamation requests, flying the MitoCanada flag is another powerful way to show support and spark conversation.

MitoCanada will connect with local municipalities where members of the mitoCommunity live to coordinate flag-raising opportunities across Canada. If you are interested in leading a flag-raising initiative in your community, please complete the contact form below.

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Walk N’ Roll 4 Mito 2026

2026 National Walk N’ Roll 4 Mito Event

Raising funds for MitoCanada

50000
2330

Throughout September, Canadians from coast to coast come together to use their energy to participate in Walk N’ Roll 4 Mito. Last year marked the 10th anniversary of the event, which began in 2015 thanks to MitoChampion Louise Gibson in Mississauga, Ontario.

Since then, the event has grown into a powerful, nationwide movement. Teams across the country walk, roll, and rally with one shared goal: to ensure all lives are powered by healthy mitochondria. Thank you to all the teams for being part of this milestone and helping us celebrate over a decade of community, determination and energy!

Meet our Fundraising Teams

Mississauga Walk N’ Roll 4 Mito

Join us for multiple walks throughout September at Lake Aquitaine Park for the 11th Annual Mississauga Walk N’ Roll 4 Mito!

Interested in hosting your own Walk N’ Roll in 2026?

Please contact MitoCanada at Development@mitocanada.org to learn more!

How to Join Walk N’ Roll 2026

Joining the event is easy. Simply choose a date, time, location, physical activity, and fundraising goal during Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Month (September). Then, Walk N’ Roll individually, join a team or create a team with others in your community for an hour, a day, or throughout the entire week. You have the freedom to tailor your activity, and we will support you every step of the way.

The funds raised during Walk N’ Roll 4 Mito are crucial—they support our educational initiatives, raise valuable awareness, and fund vital research aimed at preventing and treating mitochondrial disease, as well as supporting mitochondrial health.

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Awareness Month Proclamations

Canadian Proclamations for Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Month

In the lead-up to the inaugural Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Month 2026, MitoCanada is reaching out to municipalities across Canada, requesting their support in raising awareness for Canadians living with mitochondrial disease.

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Light Up for Mito 2026

Light Up for Mito During Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Month

On Saturday, September 19th, 2026, landmarks around Canada will be lit in bright green to celebrate Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Month (MDAM) and internationally during World Mitochondrial Disease Week (WMDW) for Light Up for Mito.

Last year, we had a record-breaking 70+ Canadian locations lit green from coast to coast. For the inaugural MDAM, we hope to surpass that record and have every province and territory lit green to spread awareness for those living with mitochondrial disease!

Check out the 2026 Canadian Landmarks that will be lit green on September 19th:

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Hazel’s Light Up for Mito Walk

Hazel’s Light Up for Mito Walk

Join Vancouver Island families and supporters living with mitochondrial disease for the 4th annual Hazel’s Light Up for Mito Walk! This annual walk is led by MitoCanada’s mitoAmbassador Hazel Currie, who lives with MNGIE (mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalopathy), an ultra-rare mitochondrial disease. While thousands of Canadians live with mitochondrial disease, Hazel remains the only known case of MNGIE in British Columbia and is using her energy to help raise awareness, inspire hope and educate others about mito. 

Let’s make Victoria, BC, once again, the most lit-up community in Canada to support those living with mitochondrial disease! 

Photograph of the fountain in front of the BC Legislative Building lit green for Hazel's Light Up for Mito Walk 2024Event Details

📅 Saturday, September 19th, 2026

🕢 7:30 PM Start

📍 Christ Church Cathedral front steps (Quadra Street & Courtney Street), Victoria, BC

♿ This walk/roll is fully accessible

✨ No registration required, just show up in your MitoCanada gear or dazzle in bright green!

Hazel will take you for a stroll through downtown Victoria, taking in heritage buildings and local businesses glowing green, the walk will end at the BC Legislature, where the ceremonial entrance alcove and fountains will be lit in vibrant green in support of mitochondrial disease awareness. By joining, you will be part of a global movement alongside over 300 landmarks that have lit up worldwide, including Niagara Falls, Rome’s Colosseum, the CN Tower, Signal Hill Tower, Science World and BC Place.

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