Why Donate?

1. Helping us helps so many others. A cure for mitochondrial disease could impact cures for Autism, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Lou Gehrig's disease, muscular dystrophy and, chronic fatigue. And it's this web of complexity and connectivity that makes mitochondrial disease research valuable to so many.

   According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):

   • 1 in 3-4,000 are affected by mitochondrial disease
   • 1 in 2,500 are affected by Cystic Fibrosis
   • 1 in 110 individuals are affected by Autism
   • 1 in 500 are affected by Parkinson's
   • 1 in 85 are affected by Alzheimer's
   • 1 in 25,000 are affected by Leigh's Disease, a fatal form of mitochondrial disease
   • 1 in 50,000 are affected by Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS)

2. We're a lean, focused, efficient 501(c)(3) that pledges to support the development of the most promising mitochondrial disease research and treatments of the many, many forms of mitochondrial disease. We are supporting the first step approved by the FDA to investigate mitochondrial disease treatment.

3. We use our limited financial resources wisely. We are committed to be judicious stewards of our donors' gifts, ensuring sound financial management of our limited resources for their maximum benefit. FMM is comprised of an active, seven member board of scientists, and patient-parents and an executive director. External consultants are leveraged for marketing, communications, fundraising and accounting expertise.

How much money will it take?

Our foundation invests in the most promising research for mitochondrial disease treatment. Depending on the design of that clinical trial (total cost for the assessment of a single drug varies significantly) it could require $1.5-$5.0 million or more per trial to test a potential treatment. This translates into approximately $20,000-50,000 per patient for each year the patient is in the trial. And none of these expenses include the fees that must be paid to a pharmaceutical company for the actual drug development.

As we work to overcome these challenges, the more you support the Foundation for Mitochondrial Medicine, the more we can do.

You and your financial support can be the "energy source" and momentum for our mitochondria. This momentum will accelerate entry into the clinical trial phases, which will in turn propel mitochondrial disease research faster toward the cures.