Perry County Courthouse to glow green for Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week
ZANESVILLE, OH- For the first time the Perry County Courthouse will glow green starting on for Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week.
For one mother, raising awareness means making sure her daughter’s story is heard. Jody Thompson is an ambassador for the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation. She says her daughter, Bailey, has lived far beyond the expectations she was given as a baby.
“My daughter Bailey suffers from this disease, they told me to take her home at one, because she wouldn’t live past that, and she’s now 26, seizures are her main problem, and developmental delay, and of course she’s wheelchair bound, but she thrives,” said Thompson.
The foundation says mitochondrial disease disrupts energy production inside cells. The brain, heart, and muscles are especially affected because of their high energy needs. Symptoms vary but can include muscle weakness, seizures, drooping eyelids, coordination loss, and developmental delays. Mitochondrial disease can start at any age. Thompson says being Bailey’s advocate means speaking up.
“God gave me a very big mouth, and I’ve always been teased on that, but I knew why after having Bailey, because she’s nonverbal, and I won’t just let her sit and no one know about her, it’s not fair,” said Thompson
The Perry County Courthouse will light up at 7 p.m. . The community is invited to watch and enjoy pizza. Residents are also encouraged to show support by wearing green or displaying green lightbulbs throughout the week.
