The Australian Mitochondrial Disease Foundation (AMDF) will offer support to all sufferers of mitochondrial disorders. Its mission is to promote research and education for the diagnosis, treatment and cure of mitochondrial disorders, and to provide support to affected individuals and families.

Stay in Bed Day - Sunday 30th August 2009

On Sunday 30th August 2009 many Australians stayed in bed. And they did so to raise awareness and funds for research into Mitochondrial Disease.

The event was an overwhelming success raising over $200,000 and the message on mitochondrial disease reaching millions of Australians.  The money raised will fund research on mitochindrial disorders and the AMDF is actively calling for applications for PhD Research Scholarships.

See www.stayinbedday.org.au for more details.

What is Mitochondrial Disease?

Mitochondrial disease is a potentially fatal genetic disorder that robs the body of energy.

Mitochondria are often called the "cell's powerhouses." They are specialised organelles found in every cell, except red blood cells, and are responsible for producing 90% of the energy needed by our body to sustain life. For most patients, there is a genetic mutation in either the mitochondrial DNA or the nuclear DNA.

The disease can affect both children and adults with adult onsThe disease can affect both children and adults with adult onset becoming more commonly diagnosed. Mitochondrial disease was initially thought to be a rare disorder, however, recent research has demonstrated that mitochondrial disease may affect one in 200 Australians.