Welcome Friends

Some days I see such a beautiful spirit within Elena just trying to get out. This makes me happy that in spite of all the seizure drugs she still has her personality. But it also makes me sad because she can't express it the way that you and I can. She hasn't giggled or laughed a big belly laugh for months. I can see the smile in her eyes most days but not on her mouth. She has a hard time moving her arms and legs where she might want them to go. Mito has stolen a lot from her.

Thanks to all of you who are praying for Elena and all the other mito kids. This disease is unpredictable. A good day one week—the hospital the next. Prayers and faith in God's perfect plan is what keeps us keeping on.

•It is our hope that you never have to hold your child in your arms and watch them have seizure after seizure and know that the doctors are doing everything that is medically available.

•It is our hope that you never have to thank God that you got that big belly laugh of your child’s on tape because now you are afraid that it may have been their last.

•It is our hope that you appreciate the boundless energy of youth because some children struggle to do the things you and I take for granted. Their bodies simply won’t make enough energy for that.

•It is our hope that you never have to personally feel the pain and heartache that families and patients face with Mitochondrial disease each and every day.

•It is our hope that with Elena’s Hope Research Fund and the help of the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation, we can raise much needed funds for research to help children and their families who battle this disease, see the brightness in tomorrow.

Thank you to all of you who are working so hard to make Elena’s Hope Research Fund a success. Research is the only thing that will help little kids like Elena to have a chance. A chance to reach for a toy, smile and laugh again. Thank you!

Love,

Mindy