15 Stories for 15 Years: Meet Linda Pilon
As we celebrate 15 years of MitoCanada, we’re sharing the stories of those who make this community so special. Today, we’re highlighting Linda Pilon — passionate mito advocate, retired nurse, founder of Scott’s Ride and loving mom to Scott.
Linda’s journey with mitochondrial disease began in the late 1970s, when her son Scott started experiencing unexplained symptoms. At just 4 years old, Scott would sometimes get sick after swimming, biking, or gym class. As he grew older, his symptoms worsened — including headaches, failure to gain weight, seizures, and strokes that left him blind. At age 11, Scott underwent surgery for a brain tumour that was found to be non-cancerous. Sadly, he passed away shortly after a muscle biopsy was conducted.
At the time, mitochondrial disease was virtually unknown. “In 1985, Scott’s doctor shared an article with me about MELAS, a rare mitochondrial condition,” Linda recalls. “He said he only knew of three cases — one in BC and two in New York.”
Determined to raise awareness and honour her son’s legacy, Linda created @Scott’s Ride in 2012 — cycling with her daughter Debbie from Keremeos, BC to Toronto, ON to support mito research and awareness. “I had to do something,” she says. “There were so many people who didn’t even know what mitochondrial disease was.”
Since then, Linda and Debbie have organized rides, spin events, and community outreach — including awareness efforts in Kamloops, BC (including securing proclamations for World Mitochondrial Disease Week), spin events in Penticton, and participation in the Granfondo in Penticton.
What inspires her most about MitoCanada? “It gives people hope,” says Linda. “It connects you with others so you know you’re not alone.”
Linda’s message to the MitoCommunity? “Never give up. Keep searching for answers,” she says. “The sooner mito is diagnosed, the sooner it can be treated. More research and awareness brings us closer to a cure.”
Join us in fuelling the next 15 years. Every donation helps us continue this vital work and create a future where no one faces mito alone.
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