Energizing The Fight Against Mitochondrial Disease
By working together, scientists, patients, physicians and caregivers can help people affected by mitochondrial disease live longer, fuller lives.
An Energy Shortage
Mitochondrial disorders cause an energy crisis in the body. They reduce the amount of energy provided to the cells, leading to symptoms as diverse as muscle weakness, crippling fatigue, shortness of breath and even seizures.
People with mitochondrial disorders may spend years searching for a diagnosis.
Mitochondria power virtually everything the body does.
Mitochondrial disorders can significantly impact a person's ability to perform everyday tasks.
A mitochondrial disease diagnosis may make you feel alone and overwhelmed, but there are resources and a community to help support you.
The Journey
About 40,000 people in the United States are thought to have a mitochondrial disorder. Meet one of them.
Read Brandy's Story
The Caregivers
More severe mitochondrial disorders usually appear earlier in life. Find out what it's like to care for a child who has been diagnosed.
Read Cristy's StoryDiagnosing the Disease
Mitochondrial disorders often go undiagnosed because their symptoms are so diverse—and nearly all are also signs of more common diseases. That means patients often spend years pursuing a diagnosis.
Learn the Symptoms
You are not alone
Mitochondrial disorders are rare, but there are many people who have confronted some of the same challenges that you face.