World Mitochondrial Disease Week
Mitochondrial diseases are a group of rare genetic disorders that impact the way the mitochondria in a person’s cells produce energy.
While there is currently no cure for this range of conditions, the hope is that raising awareness and improving support will help provide care for those who need it and also promote research that might lead to a cure!Â
World Mitochondrial Disease Week aims to include the public, policy makers and health care professionals about the need for research and support.
How to Celebrate World Mitochondrial Disease Week
Those who want more inspiration about how to take action in honor of World Mitochondrial Disease Week might consider some of these ideas for celebrating:
Get Involved
One of the best ways to observe this important week of awareness is by joining in on local activities that promote education and fund raising on behalf of mitochondrial disease.
This is a great time to get connected by learning more and advocating on behalf of individuals and families with one of these conditions.Â
Events like community walks, seminars, and fund raisers are all part of the awareness campaign for mitochondrial disease.
Those who are interested might choose to host a fundraising event or make a donation to one of the charities that supports this group of conditions.Â
Light Up Green for Mito
One of the important ways that companies and communities can get involved with World Mitochondrial Disease Week is to invite a local monument or business building to light up!
Green is the color that represents mitochondrial disease awareness, so fire up those green lightbulbs and show some support.
Individuals and families can also get involved by changing their porch light to green in honor of the event.Â
Share Your Mito Story
Individuals, families and friends of those who have mitochondrial diseases might be interested in telling their story and promoting awareness for this week through their social media accounts.
Those impacted by various diseases, including Alpers’ disease, Barth syndrome, MERRF syndrome, and many others, can share their experiences to help increase education and understanding for others throughout the world.Â
Nominate for a Mito Foundation Award
Know someone who goes above and beyond for the members of the mito community?
The folks who run the Mito Foundation in Australia offer this award that is given annually as part of the Mito Community Summit.Â
History of World Mitochondrial Disease Week
This event was started through the collaborative efforts of various patient organizations and advocacy groups from all over the world.
The collective ambition of the mitochondrial community is to provide increased visibility as well as understanding of this group of diseases.Â
Some of the organizations involved in World Mitochondrial Disease Week include International Mito Patients, along with the Mito Foundation in Australia, My Mito Mission in the UK and MitoAction in the United States.
This important event dates back more than a decade, to at least 2011.Â
Also on ...
View all holidays
National Chai Day
With its aromatic blend of spices, this hot beverage is the perfect pick-me-up on a chilly day, warming your soul with each sip.
National Elephant Appreciation Day
Take a trip to the zoo or a wildlife conservatory or fire up Disney’s Dumbo and appreciate one of Earth’s largest, most interesting creatures: the elephant.
Redhead Appreciation Day
With fiery locks that ignite every room they enter, these individuals add a vibrant hue to life, proving that uniqueness is captivating.
We think you may also like...
Celebration Of Life Month
Stepping away from the hustle — a moment of calm in the midst of the storm — is like hitting a pause button for the soul.
World Tuberculosis Day
Honoring the relentless human spirit in the face of a formidable adversary, a disease that has shaped history and medical progress.
Petite And Proud Day
Be confident in your smaller stature. Petite and Proud Day is an opportunity to show off your good looks and confidence—even if you can’t reach the top shelf.
Don’t Fry Day
Be aware of the dangers of sun exposure and try hosting an indoor picnic or movie marathon on the Council for Skin Cancer Prevention’s No Fry Day.
