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- Posted Wednesday October 21, 2015
'Mito What?' raises funds and awareness for children with energy draining mitochondrial disease
Oct. 24 event at the Monastery in Mesa supports TGen's Center for Rare Childhood Disorders
MESA, Ariz. - Oct. 21, 2015 - The 3rd annual "Mito What?" barbeque and concert, a fundraiser for TGen's Center for Rare Childhood Disorders, is set for 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Monastery in Mesa.
The fundraising event for Phoenix-based non-profit TGen, the Translational Genomics Research Institute, is sponsored by Jayse's Mito Rascals, Supporting Mitochondrial Disease Research.
Mitochondrial diseases result from failures of the mitochondria, a part of each cell's structure responsible for creating more than 90 percent of the energy needed by the body to sustain life and support growth. These are chronic, genetic disorders that affect 1 in 4,000 births in the U.S.
The difficulty in diagnosing mitochondrial diseases make them frustrating conditions to identify and manage, not only for physicians but also for patients, families and caregivers.
TGen's Center for Rare Childhood Disorders was established in 2010 to examine the genetic basis of disease in children with undiagnosed medical conditions, such as mitochondrial disease.
Using state-of-the-art technology to precisely spell out the 3 billion chemical bases of an individual's DNA, the Center has enrolled more than 900 participants and analyzed the genomes of more than 200 families, with a diagnostic success rate of nearly 40 percent.
" 'Mito What?' is a great opportunity for people to learn about mitochondrial disease and the impact it has on children and families, while also raising funds for the critical researcher needed to find a cure," said Robyn Nebrich-Duda, Assistant Development Director for the non-profit TGen Foundation.
Musical guest at the Oct. 24 event is DJ Naronos & The Gallegos Method.
Activities include food and drinks, a snow area, face painting, a silent auction and raffle, pumpkin painting and the appearance of a princess.
The Monastery is at 4810 E. McKellips Road in Mesa.
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About TGen
Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is a Phoenix, Arizona-based non-profit organization dedicated to conducting groundbreaking research with life changing results. TGen is focused on helping patients with neurological disorders, cancer, and diabetes, through cutting edge translational research (the process of rapidly moving research towards patient benefit). TGen physicians and scientists work to unravel the genetic components of both common and rare complex diseases in adults and children. Working with collaborators in the scientific and medical communities literally worldwide, TGen makes a substantial contribution to help our patients through efficiency and effectiveness of the translational process. For more information, visit:www.tgen.org. Follow TGen on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter @TGen.
Press Contact:
Steve Yozwiak
TGen Senior Science Writer
602-343-8704
[email protected]
