Taking a “Bet on Baylee”

Fifteen year old Baylee Thompson has suffered from mitochondrial disease since she was nine months old.

The disease affects a person’s ability to produce energy, and Baylee has never walked nor has she talked. However, her mother, Jody, said things are going well for Baylee. She said Baylee’s still completely dependent on others but that her seizures have nearly gone away.

“Her seizures have subsided to almost being non existent which is just a godsend,” Thompson said. “With her other issues, the seizures are the thing that we don’t want to see ever come back and raise it’s ugly head again to us. She’s had some very violent seizures in the past, so now that they’ve subsided Bailey goes and deals with life very well.”

To help support the United Mitochondria Foundation, Thompson has a fundraiser each year. The 12th annual “Bet on Baylee” event is April 18, from noon to midnight at the Perry County Fairgrounds. A $10 entry fee gets you in the door. While there will be many things going on all day, Thompson said the silent auction raises the most money.

“Every year I say this is just a great year. This year has topped them all. I mean, LeBron sent a basketball, Jeter, Jack Nicklaus, Pete Rose, Jason Witten, Brett Farve. The list, the three quarterbacks from Ohio State. The list is just phenomenal.

The silent auction starts at 6 p.m. Saturday. Thompson said you can bid however you like and to just contact her at (740) 704-2994 for details. She also plans to put the complete list of auction items on the bet on the “12th annual Bet on Baylee” Facebook page.