We have renamed our Mito Support Groups to Mito Meet-ups to reflect their casual and inviting nature. Led by mito community members, these regular Meet-ups help you build valuable relationships with others impacted by mito in Victoria so you can share experiences, provide mutual support as well as enjoy the social connections.
Your hosts for the upcoming Mito Meet-up, Jacqueline Freeman and Matthew Barker, will lead a discussion on this month’s topic: Mental Health.
Get to know one of your hosts: Matthew Barker
I am a young person with mito helping to lead our group. My name is Matthew and I have lived with symptoms of mito for 4 years now. I will be supporting, moderating and guiding this group.
Mito is a disease that can have many symptoms; my journey started mild pain, headaches and trouble sleeping. I had a day of feeling very unwell and high sugars and blood pressure, having time in ICU and a 3-week hospital visit. I was later diagnosed with
diabetes. I remember being shocked and having lots of learning regarding diabetes management and long-term recovery. Later, after genetic testing, I was confirmed to have mito.
In the past I have participated in medical trials, diabetes and mito support groups. Being part of these groups has been rewarding and supportive. The Victoria group is a place you can voice your concerns and learn and be guided for help. At the Mito Foundation the experience with Michelle, a patient pathways nurse, has been fantastic and encouraged me to be part of this group. This has helped me support others in the group and gain knowledge of mitochondrial disease.
This group aims to create a supporting channel to learn and discuss your journey. To be open and support each other. With a culture of caring and building awareness.