Mitochondria are considered the “Powerhouse” of cells and are responsible for creating more than 90% of the energy required to sustain life and support growth. Mitochondrial Diseases results from failures of the mitochondria and appear to cause damage to cells of the brain, heart, liver, skeletal muscles, kidney and the endocrine and respiratory systems. Symptoms can include some of the following
& others not included: Muscular pain, weakness & tremor, eye problems, stroke-like episodes, seizures, developmental delays, depression, migraine, heat & cold intolerance, tremors, hearing loss, heart failure and irregular heart rhythms, diabetes, hypothyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, constipation, failure to grow, diarrhea, liver and kidney failure
Symptoms can appear anytime in life. The severity of symptoms varies significantly and affects everyone differently.
1 in 6000 people is impacted by Mitochondrial Disease. Mitochondrial diseases are inherited from either the mother through Mitochondrial (mtDNA) or Nuclear nDNA (from both parents) or caused by a mutation before birth. Mitochondrial disease affects both children and adults. Research has determined strong links between mitochondrial dysfunction and other common diseases, such as Autism, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, ALS, Diabetes, Cancer and others. This disease can be fatal and there is no cure. Currently treatment consists of a vitamin cocktail and various therapies. There is insufficient funding for research into finding a cure along with opportunities to create awareness in the medical community and the general public.
“Quilts of Hope” Purpose and Project Goals
The purpose of the “Quilts of Hope” Project is to raise public awareness of Mitochondrial Diseases by educating those who make and donate the quilts and those who see them. The goal is to have talented quilters create quilts and donate them to those children and adults affected by Mitochondrial Disease. Quilts will be distributed to each recipient by MitoCanada or Mito Action (US) or their designate.
