We first introduced you to Smarty Mom Amber Greenawalt two years ago. She shared her family’s story and she first introduced Smarty Pants to Mitochondrial Disease. Her daughter, Savannah, has Mito. Since we shared her story, I have discovered that two of my sorority sisters children also have Mito. Every 30 minutes, a child is born who will develop a mitochondrial disease by age 10. Each year, 1,000 to 4,000 children in the United states are born with a mitochondrial disease.
Mitochondrial diseases result from failures of the mitochondria, specialized compartments present in every cell of the body except red blood cells. Mitochondria are responsible for creating more than 90% of the energy needed by the body to sustain life and support growth. When they fail, less and less energy is generated within the cell. Cell injury and even cell death follow. If this process is repeated throughout the body, whole systems begin to fail, and the life of the person in whom this is happening is severely compromised. The disease primarily affects children, but adult onset is becoming more and more common. -From the UMDF.
This is a disease that we are just beginning to hear/learn more about, meaning that research is underfunded and almost all fundraising is at the grass-roots level. Charlotte is the host to the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation Energy for Life Walkathon for the Carolina Foothills region. There is no cure for Mitochondrial Disease and it affects children in many different ways. Amber is a leader in bringing attention and awareness to this disease and is always willing to talk to parents who are facing this diagnosis for their child.
On January 25, at 7:00pm, the Charlotte Checkers present Saving Savannah, a fundraiser for the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation. Tickets are only $15 and the added bonus is that it is also RACE Night! Many of your favorite drivers will be there signing autographs.
If you are still looking for a last minute present or stocking stuffer, purchase tickets! Not only will your family love the night and the hockey but you will be supporting an incredible cause.
Check out this incredible video of Savannah:
To find out more about Savannah, visit the Saving Savannah Facebook page.
I hope to see you there, supporting all kids with Mito, Smarty Mom Amber and Savannah!
