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, we need your energy next week for World Mitochondrial Disease Week (WMDW)!
 
From September 18th-24th, the MitoCommunity is coming together to raise awareness, advocate, educate and fundraise for Canadians living with mito during World Mitochondrial Disease Week. 

In this edition of MitoNews, we share two new Faces of Mito stories, along with the launch of our new Exploring Miito education guide. This edition also highlights a number of activities taking place during World Mitochondrial Disease Week. Join us in uniting the MitoCommunity and raising awareness together!
 
Sept 18th - 24th, 2023 #mitochondrialdisease #wmdw #LightUpForMito @Mitocanada
 
INTRODUCING OUR 2023 MITOSCHOLARS /+ 
 
Continuing our commitment in 2022 to empower youth living with mitochondrial disease to focus on their futures and purse their educational goals, MitoCanada is proud to announce and introduce you to our six new 2023 MitoScholars /+.

Please read their stories about how mito has impacted their lives and hopes for their futures!
BE INSPIRED BY OUR 2023 MITOSCHOLARS /+
MitoCanada extends its deepest appreciation and thanks to this year's sponsor, Ultragenyx and the 2023 MitoSpin fundraisers for making these awards possible!
 
COMMUNITY CORNER
Our Community Corner is a dedicated space that features articles written by members of the MitoCommunity. These short articles highlight lived-experience, management tips, opinions and personal insights, resilience and inspiration. Our third Community Corner article is an opinion piece by Hazel Currie on living with MNGIE. 
"I know I have MNGIE, but I refuse to be defined by it."
 
I heard “you are so very brave” as the specialist looked me in the eye at my last appointment. I felt choked up and proud. Having an ultra-rare mitochondrial disease sometimes makes me wonder who I am now, what is my identity as a person with a health challenge?

Since being officially diagnosed with MNGIE (mitochondrial neurogastrointenstinal encephalomyopathy) in 2020, I have often wondered about this new definition of who I am. Am I Hazel-with-MNGIE now? Does a new health label soak into my sense of self and how others see me now? What is my identity? My being?
READ HAZEL'S STORY 
Leave a question or comment for Hazel or a past Community Corner author.
ASK THE AUTHOR
Interested in learning more about writing a Community Corner article?
SHARE YOUR INTEREST
 
*NEW* EDUCATION GUIDE: EXPLORING MITO - A GUIDE FROM DIAGNOSIS TO MANAGEMENT
The journey to diagnosis can be a long process. When a diagnosis is finally made, it can bring on feelings of fear and concern, but also provide relief in knowing the reason behind unexplained symptoms.

MitoCanada has created this resource to help you navigate your diagnosis or a future diagnosis and support you in your conversations with your healthcare team, family, friends and colleagues.
READ "EXPLORING MITOCHONDRIAL DISEASE" NOW
 
THE MANY FACES OF MITO
Life as Evan's Dad
Known to many in the mitochondrial community, Blaine Penny, MitoCanada cofounder and Evan's dad, shares his family’s mito journey, what life has been like and how 19-year-old Evan is doing today.
READ
LIFE AS EVAN'S DAD
Genevieve's Journey
As one of our new Faces of Mito, Angela Tomasone writes about her daughter Genevieve's first year of life and diagnosis with Leigh syndrome.
Angela's focus is to continue Genevieve's memory.
READ
GENEVEIVE'S
JOURNEY
Welcome, Janice Eales!
Join us in welcoming our new Director of Development, Janice Eales, to the MitoTeam! Read more about Janice's experience and expertise that has helped make a difference in the lives of Canadians.
READ
MORE ABOUT JANICE
 
WORLD MITOCHONDRIAL DISEASE WEEK EVENTS
WALK N' ROLL WITH MITOCANADA
Walk n’ Roll for Mito is our annual event that welcomes individuals and teams across Canada to move however they like to use their energy and spread awareness for those living with mito. 

The funds raised help us create impactful education programs and resources that benefit our MitoCommunity.

Learn how you can participate virtually, in-person, or donate to one of our fantastic fundraising teams! 
WALK N' ROLL 4 MITO
LIGHT UP FOR MITO ON SEPTEMBER 23RD!
Help MitoCanada spread awareness for those living with mito by posting a photo with one of our 61 Canadian locations lighting green for WMDW throughout September 18th-23rd (mainly on the 23rd).

Not near any locations?
Spread awareness by purchasing a green lightbulb for your porch from our new MitoStore. You can also rock other MitoGear like the MitoCanada t-shirt, popsocket, and neck gaiter! 
LIGHT UP FOR MITO
MitoCanada is Energizing Lives. Our foundation is dedicated to creating a world where all lives are powered by healthy mitochondria.