SUPPORT RESEARCH INTO MITOCHONDRIAL DISEASE
This fundraising round is championed by community member, Kevin Berkowitz:
"I am passionate about supporting developing treatments for mitochondrial disease, specifically MERRF. We aim to raise $1,000,000 for the Mito Foundation. By funding these initiatives, you can help to be part of the solution"
Understanding Mitochondrial Disease
Mitochondrial diseases are a group of disorders caused by dysfunctional mitochondria, the powerhouses of cells. These diseases are debilitating and can lead to severe symptoms such as seizures, muscle weakness, ataxia, and dementia and in many cases, premature death. MERRF (Myoclonic Epilepsy with Ragged Red Fibers) is one of the more common types of mitochondrial diseases.
Impact: Affects 1 in 200 people with genetic predispositions, with one child diagnosed each week.
Current State: No cures and few effective treatments exist.
Key Projects and Funding Needs
We aim to raise one million dollars.
We have three key projects and with your help the first has been achieved. Our next focus is funding innovative researchers through the Emerging Scientist Fund.
1. The money has been allocated for Supporting Research on mtDNA
Goal: Develop techniques to edit mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to treat mtDNA-related diseases like MERRF.
Program: Research Fellowship awarded to Tara Richman, Harry Perkins Institute Impact: Successful mtDNA editing can pave the way for treating a range of mitochondrial diseases.
Funding Awarded: $100,000
Help make this happen next;
- Emerging Scientists Fund
Goal: Support early-career researchers and innovative projects in mitochondrial research.
Programs:
- Incubator Grants: Preliminary research funding to attract larger grants.
- PhD Scholarships: Encourage new researchers to enter the field.
Impact: Dr. Richard Lee identified disease-causing genes through an incubator grant, leading to four new diagnoses.
Funding Requirement: $150,000
- Preparing for Clinical Trials
Goal: Ensure Australians can participate in and benefit from the increasing number of global mito clinical trials.
Example Programs:
- Increase genetic testing and education.
- Grow the Australian mito-registry.
- Prepare researchers and healthcare professionals for trials.
Impact: Access to treatments available for a broad range of mitochondrial diseases
Funding Requirement: $750,000 +
For a more detailed outline of the planned clinical trial readiness work refer to this table; https://www.mito.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Clinical-Trial-Ready-Projects.pdf
Investing in these projects will support critical research into mitochondrial diseases, benefiting a broad spectrum of conditions, including MERRF. Your support can transform research into tangible treatments and improve the lives of those affected by mito.
Donations can be made directly via this page or transferred to the Mito Foundation bank account. All donations are tax deductible in Australia. Please email Heleen.fourie@mito.org.au after you have made a donation to allow for receipting.
Thank you to my Sponsors
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$1.8k
Edelmuth Family
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$1.8k
Ricky And Gina Rosen
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$9k
Zagga
With best wishes for the important work you do
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$3.6k
Paul Werner
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$5k
Jml Investments
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$5.64k
Blumenthal Family
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$1.07k
Michael Gordon
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$500
Michael Blumenthal
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$10k
Kevin Berkowitz
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$1.6k
Benny Friedman
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$10k
Anthony Levi
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$1.8k
Dan And Nicole Katz
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$915
Tt Foundation
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$50
Gavin Hamburger
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$2.64k
Howard Blend
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$32.58
Anonymous
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$10k
Anonymous Donor
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$250
Mark Sacks
Birthday salutations Benny. Super milestone to achieve and so glad we can share it with you and the family. Sacks Family
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$217.20
Phillip And Yael Behr
Happy birthday Benny! We’re so happy to celebrate with you looking forward to a big lachaim with you! Lots of love Phil and Yael Behr
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$50k
Sean Katz
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$108.60
Mandy Sacher
Happy Birthday Benny and thank you for helping to bring our attention to this charity and very worthwhile cause. X
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$54.30
Derek Garfinkel
Happy 80th birthday Benny.
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$543
Cluve Sacher
Happy birthday Benny
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$162.90
Heleen Fourie
Dear Kevin, Good luck! I know we will get there.
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$39.10
Jonathan Sher
Happy 80th birthday