Local Mother Honored Nationally for Advocacy in Mitochondrial Disease Fight

ZANESVILLE, Ohio — Jody Thompson, a proud mom, advocate, and fierce supporter of families affected by mitochondrial disease, has just been recognized by the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation.

Thompson was nominated by her aunt, Linda Sawyers, for her unwavering dedication to the cause. She has attended countless symposiums and events since her daughter Baylee’s diagnosis at just 10 months old back in 2001. And through it all, her family has stood by her side.

Thompson says she never started this journey for awards; instead, she’s always focused on raising awareness for her daughter and pushing for answers for others.

“This year there were over 700 people…families, people that are affected, clinicians, researchers we all come together. We were sitting at the banquet; I happened to be looking at the agenda and saw that I won the award.”

The surprise was just as real as her commitment. Thompson had no idea she’d be recognized for her passion and decades of advocacy.

“I was totally shocked and very very surprised that I had won but, I’ve never done this for awards or accolades, it’s all for her and for everyone affected by mitochondrial disease,” Thompson said. “Where we were to where we are now it’s just mind blowing but the answers are still not there yet, so I always say, till my last breath I’ll advocate and raise awareness. I’ll never shut up about this disease because it’s that important and it’s just not Baylee, it’s all people that I’ve met through the years, people that I don’t know but I know what they’re going through. But it’s also the next generation, that’s what we truly fight for,” Thompson added.

Thompson continues to lead with heart, using her voice for those who can’t and making sure mitochondrial disease is never ignored.