The holiday season is almost here!
As the crisp autumn air gives way to the chill of winter, we find ourselves in a season of transition – a time to reflect, prepare and embrace the warmth of community. The changing seasons remind us of resilience and renewal, much like the spirit of the MitoCommunity.
As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, we’re here to share updates, resources and stories that inspire hope and keep us connected through the months ahead.
NEW – Mito in the Classroom for Educators!
MitoCanada has developed a suite of resources to help educators better understand the unique challenges faced by MitoStudents and create an informed, supportive learning environment that empowers them to thrive.
These resources include a teacher resource guide, an accommodations checklist, educational animations, teaching modules and more!
Honouring Evan: A Legacy of Joy, Strength and Inspiration
We are deeply grateful and thank the mitoCommunity for the outpouring of love and support for the Penny family following Evan’s passing.
Evan showed us the true meaning of living fully and finding joy even in life’s most challenging time. Evan’s legacy will always be woven into the fabric of MitoCanada, inspiring our mission to support and advance research for Canadians living with mitochondrial disease.
Faces of Mito: A family bound by resilience in the shadow of mitochondrial disease
“I often think of my life in two parts,” says Jodi Young. “There was ‘before my mom got sick’ and then there’s everything after.”
For Jodi, childhood took an unexpected turn in 2008 when her mother, Brenda, a devoted nurse and parent, began experiencing a series of inexplicable health challenges at just 44 years old. A stroke, seizures, and a series of worsening symptoms led to a life changing diagnosis of mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS), a rare and complex mitochondrial disease.
Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy (MRT) Survey
Have you heard about mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT)? This groundbreaking IVF procedure offers families hope by reducing the risk of mito inheritance in children. While MRT is not yet available in Canada, it is being used in other countries.
We value your input! Take our quick 4-minute survey to share your thoughts and contribute to research that shapes and supports our community.
Tisento Study | Teen MELAS Interview Study
Our partners at Tisento are looking for teens aged 12-17 with MELAS to participate in an interview study to share their lived experiences with MELAS. Together, we can contribute to the development of future treatments for MELAS.
Participants are asked to take part in two 45-minute interviews and can receive up to $150 for their time.
