September is Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Month in Canada

Starting in September of 2026, MitoCanada expanded our annual awareness efforts into a full month, Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Month (MDAM). This milestone reflects the incredible commitment of our community, who have spent years raising awareness, sharing their stories and building momentum across Canada.

Our first-ever Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Month in Canada raised over $50,000 through community fundraising initiatives!
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Behind every contribution were people who chose to give their time, energy, creativity, and generosity to support the MitoCommunity. To our event hosts, mitoAmbassadors, donors, volunteers, participants, and everyone who supported a fundraiser or helped spread the word, thank you. We are also grateful to our sponsors, including @ultragenyx and @mutualfireinsurance, for supporting this month’s community events.⁠
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Your support will help advance research, education, awareness, and community programs for Canadians affected by mitochondrial disease.⁠ What an incredible start to this new Canadian initiative. Thank you for helping turn a month of awareness into lasting support for the MitoCommunity! Get energized for Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Month September 2027!

What is mitochondrial disease?

The human body is powered by trillions of microscopic structures called mitochondria, often known as the powerhouses of our cells. Found in almost every cell in our bodies, they produce the energy our bodies need to function, survive and thrive.

When mitochondria don’t work properly, the body can’t produce the energy it needs. This can affect multiple organs and body systems, leading to a wide range of symptoms that impact daily life. For many, mitochondrial disease is serious, progressive and life-threatening.

Participate in Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Month Initiatives

Click on the tiles below to explore more.

Share How You’re Raising Awareness for Mito

Follow MitoCanada on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to stay connected, and tag @MitoCanada to share how you’re taking part in Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Month.

LHON Awareness Day
September 19th

LHON (Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy) is a rare mitochondrial disease that primarily affects vision, affecting the optic nerve, which relies heavily on energy from healthy mitochondria.

TK2D Awareness Day
September 8th

TK2d (thymidine kinase 2 deficiency) is an ultra-rare mitochondrial disease that affects muscle function, causing progressive weakness that can impact breathing, movement, and the ability to eat and swallow.

Leigh Syndrome Awareness Day
September 17th

Leigh syndrome is a rare mitochondrial disease that affects the brain and nervous system, causing progressive loss of movement and development, often beginning in early childhood.

Bring Your Ideas to Life!

Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Month is a reflection of years of grassroots awareness led by individuals and families across Canada.

As we think to September 2027, there is more opportunity to grow.

From light-up landmarks, to hosting Walk N’Rolls, to starting conversations in your school, workplace and community, every idea helps shine a light on mitochondrial disease.

What will you do September 2027?

Share your idea and let’s bring it to life together.