Local Energy For Life Walkathon Has Second-Largest Fundraising Total in the U.S.

Dec. 7, 2011 - PRLog -- Charlotte, NC - In only its second year in Charlotte, the “Energy For Life Walkathon” raised over $156,000 for mitochondrial disease research – nearly doubling last year’s total. The event, which was held on Saturday, October 15th in Freedom Park, raised the second-highest amount of all walkathons held by the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation (UMDF) in 2011. Only the Houston, Texas event raised more.

“We felt like we carried some momentum forward from our inaugural event last year,” said Christy Koury, event co-chair. “But with the help of our sponsors, walkers and volunteers, we exceeded even our own expectations. The bar has been set high for next year.”

Local sponsors included Austin Canvas and Awning, Charlotte Pipe and Foundry, Domtar,
Guys With Ties, Lalilab, and Thrivent For Lutherans. A total of 51 teams and 1,054 walkers participated, with all funds raised going to the UMDF, which uses the money for mitochondrial disease research, family support and awareness. The organization hosted 13 “Energy For Life Walkathon” events in 2011, and plans to expand that number to 20 in 2012.

“The simple act of walking on behalf of someone whose body may not allow them to walk themselves is powerful,” says Charles A. “Chuck” Mohan, Jr., CEO/Executive Director of the UMDF. “The surge of support we saw this year in Charlotte, we’re seeing all over the country. And while it’s gratifying to see so many people involved, it indicates how great the need is to support those affected and their families.”

The Carolina Foothills Chapter of the UMDF, which organized the Charlotte walk, plans a third annual event in 2012, though no date or location has been set.

About Mitochondrial Disease
Every 30 minutes, a child is born who will develop a mitochondrial disease by age 10.  Mitochondrial diseases result from the failure of the mitochondria, which are located in the cells of our bodies. Mitochondria are responsible for creating more than 90% of the energy needed to sustain life and support growth. When mitochondria fail, less energy is produced causing cell injury or cell death. On a larger scale, organ systems begin to fail.  The disease is often debilitating. Children with mitochondrial disease may not see their teenage years.

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About the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation
Founded in 1996, the UMDF works to promote research and education for the diagnosis, treatment and cure of mitochondrial diseases and to provide support for affected individuals and families. Since its inception, the UMDF has funded nearly $6 million in research, making it the leading non-governmental contributor of grants focused solely on mitochondrial disease. The UMDF, based in Pittsburgh, is a national organization, represented by 14 chapters around the United States and thousands of members who participate in groups and as ambassadors.