Mitochondrial Disease

[Jacinda]

I would like to tell you a story about a friend of mine. I have a friend called Garrett and his brother Austin who is 21 has Mitochondrial disease.

This is a chronic, genetic disorder that occurs when the mitochondria of the cell which fails to produce enough energy for cell or organ function. The incidence is about 1:3000-4000 individuals in the US.

Mitochondria are tiny organelles found in almost every cell in the body. They are known as the "powerhouse of the cell" and are responsible for creating more then 90% of cellular energy. They are necessary in the body to sustain life and support growth. They are composed of tiny packages of enzymes that turn nutrients into cellular energy. Mitochondrial failure causes cell injury that leads to cell death. When multiple organ cells die there is organ failure.

Mitochondrial disease is unpredictable. Day to day, hour to hour patients can develop symptoms and their stability can be threatened.

For more information please go to: http://www.mitoaction.org/mito-faq#whatare 

Austin goes through a huge amount of pain and has had over 100 surgeries.

They are a very strong and truly special family who go through everything together. Even though they go through an immense amount..they still have a smile on their faces.

His younger brother Garrett is an amazing support!! He is only 18 and has started an organisation to help support other children who are going through the same thing. He even got a tattoo recently to show his support of his big brother. The design is the Mitochondria Ribbon.

 

At only 18 years old Garrett is an amazing person and is making a huge difference!

You might be wondering..what can I do to help? Well..it would be so great if you could spread awareness about this disease and there are ways you can help!! Children who go through this are in hospital a huge amount of the time so if any of you were able to donate blankets and hygienic goods towards Garrett's organisation that will help and go towards children who are going through this. This would be so much appreciated!!!

I'm sorry but it is asked that you please don't send cards though...

 

The address for blankets and hygienic goods is:

Garrett Childers

326 Veranda Ln.

Macon Georgia. 31210.

 

Please please please can you pray for Austin and his family.

This is so much appreciated!

Love, Jacinda

[Jacinda]

Hi Ann, Things like toothbrush, shampoos etc

[Jacinda]

Thank you all so much for your prayers! Yes they sure do have beautiful smiles and are a beautiful and courageous family! Ann I'll let you know, will get back to you about that :) 

[Ann]

My prayers go out to Austin and his family and to all who suffer from this and other life-threatening/limiting diseases.  What kind of hygenic goods do they need? 

[Lefty]

They do have beautiful smiles!  Prayers are on their way.

[Lois55 wwt]

I will certainly say some prayers.....thank you for this post...

[Aunty Nean]

Thank you so much for sharing their story and creating awareness. What a beautiful and courageous family.