Over the last six months your donations have made an incredible difference to people affected by mitochondrial disease (mito). You have funded services to empower patients to manage their health and access the best possible care. Importantly, you have brought us closer to effective treatments and prevention options by funding research and advocacy. Thank you!
In the second half of 2021, your generous donations have delivered:
Hope for future families
1 massive step closer to allowing eligible Australian families to have children without passing on the devastating effects of mito.
The Mitochondrial Donation Law Reform (Maeve’s Law) Bill passed through the House of Representatives with a convincing majority vote. It now needs to pass through the Senate to become law.
By funding crucial work in advocacy, you’ve been part of a MAJOR milestone!
Improved access to medical care
19 mito experts collaborated to publish the first Australian Patient Care Standards to help people with mito access the best care to improve their quality of life and achieve better health outcomes.
Education leading to earlier diagnosis
173 GPs completed the Maybe it’s Mitochondrial Disease educational module. Earlier detection of mito and increased rates of diagnosis will help thousands of Australians by giving them earlier access to specialist care.
A potential new treatment
1 project funded that will test a treatment to reverse vision loss in LHON, a form of mito. Mito Foundation first funded the groundwork for this in 2016.
Vital information for families
100 people attended the digital Mito Foundation Annual Symposium Mitochondrial Donation: Beyond Legislative Change during World Mitochondrial Disease Week. Families learned what to expect from the implementation of this new reproductive option in Australia, from local and UK experts.
Increased patient knowledge
10 Mito Information Days and Mito Connect Calls helped families all over Australia to build confidence and knowledge to manage their journey with mito.
Supportive networks to reduce isolation
20 Mito Meet-ups across Australia helped people impacted by mito to reduce their sense of isolation and improve mental health and wellbeing.
One-on-one care and advice
170 support cases through the Helpline assisted the mito community to seek a diagnosis, find information or find medical professionals who can improve the management of mito.
Reduced anxiety through dedicated care
48 families received help with tailored advice, care plans and referrals through the Patient Pathways Program. 90% of people reported a reduction in anxiety since joining the program.
Awareness and funds through The Bloody Long Walk
570,000 people heard about mito through The Bloody Long Walk 2021 national series including The Bloody Long Virtual Walk. Despite the challenges presented by the changing COVID-19 health restrictions for events, the series raised over $3 million to help families affected by mito.
Greater public understanding of mito
3.2 million people reached by 284 media articles raising awareness and knowledge of mito and mitochondrial donation amongst the Australian public.