Thank you to all our generous donors for making a real difference for people impacted by mitochondrial disease (mito).
Your donations have funded services to empower people impacted by mito to manage their health and access the best possible care. You’ve driven collaboration between researchers and clinicians, fueling medical advancements.
Here are some examples of the impact made by funds raised over the past six months.
In the first half of 2023, your generous donations have delivered:
Improving diagnosis
$1.2 million annual funding announced in the Federal Budget 2023 to fund genetic testing for mito through Medicare. This will reduce the complex diagnostic journey for many and provide earlier access to specialised care.
Improving health care
1 Mitochondrial Disease Guide for Health Professionals published and distributed to GPs and other health professionals to help improve care provided to those with confirmed or suspected mito. The guide was developed in consultation with mito experts and the mito community.
Improving lives through world-class research
$629,500 in funding was committed to six cutting-edge research projects and fellowships striving to improve diagnosis and seek effective treatments and cures.
Diagnostic odysseys ended
2 people received a long-awaited diagnosis through research from a Mito Foundation PhD student who is investigating a gene to understand new mechanisms causing mito. This could lead to many more diagnoses.
Vital information and empowering connections
25 Mito Information Days, Mito Connect Calls and Mito Meet-ups helped people impacted by mito all over Australia to build important connections with others, share experiences and hear the latest information from experts.
One-on-one care to help families
123 cases of helpline support assisted the mito community to seek a diagnosis, find information or obtain a referral for mito-aware care.
Reduced anxiety through dedicated care
22 people received help with tailored advice, care plans and referrals through the Pathways Telehealth Program. 96% reported a reduction in anxiety since joining the program.
Helping to secure life-changing supports
44 people received help with tailored advice and information about accessing the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) through the NDIS Navigation Service. 100% of participants reported an increase in knowledge and 92% an increase in confidence.