Muskingum County Commissioners Recognize Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week

ZANESVILLE, OH – September is Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Month.

To highlight and honor those going through this journey, the Muskingum County Commissioners have proclaimed September 15th through the 21st as Mitochondrial Awareness Week.

Jody Thompson, is a Mom, Legal Guardian, and Advocate for her daughter Baylee who has been battling this disease for 25 years.

She says having the support of the Commissioners as well as Sheriff Matt Lutz speaks volumes to their mission.

“As a parent, my voice only goes so far.” Thompson explained, “And I’ve been in this game for 25 years and it has, it really has in our area because I’ve never stopped talking. But for people like the Commissioners, for the Sheriff, for anybody that’s in the political realm, it just helps the more that this disease gets recognized.”

Thompson says over the years they have raised over $100,000 to go to the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation (UMDF) through the Bet on Baylee event, to help other families facing similar struggles.

She says while they’ve taken a small step back from fundraising, they will never stop searching for a cure.

“There’s no cure as of yet, and children, adults are dying everyday by this disease.” Thompson said. “Where they trudge, Baylee relatively does fine other than an occasional seizure, doesn’t walk, talk, fully dependent but to me, she’s not going to pass tomorrow. There’s children, there are adults who they trudge, and they are trudging for their life.”

Thompson says to continue bringing awareness to this disease this week, she’s inviting the public to Mount Aloysius CORP, located at 5375 Tile Plant Rd in New Lexington, on Thursday.

She says they will be hosting a Warriors Warriors walk at 1PM; just be sure to wear your green or Mito gear to the event.