Mitochondrial Disease Information Day - Perth

On Saturday, 30th October,  AMDF - WA held it's first Mitochondrial Information Day for families and friends who have been affected by the disease.

Attendees were welcomed by Penny Andrews, a mother of two sons with the Mitochondrial disorder, Juvenile Leigh's Disease and a Board Member of AMDF. 

Presenters included Associate Professor Phillipa Lamont, Head of the Neurogenetic unit at Royal Perth Hospital, who gave a brief introduction to the disease, how the disease affects teenagers and adults and how exercise can help. Dr Jon Silberstein, a Pediatric Neurologist at Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, then presented on how Mitochondrial disease affects babies and children.

Dr Barry Lewis, head of Clinical Biochemistry at Pathwest at Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, covered the biochemistry of Mitochondrial diseases. Mrs Jan de Franck, Nurse Manager of the Neurogenetic unit at Royal Perth Hospital, detailed exciting plans for a Mitochondrial Patient Registry.

Debbie and Jim Gardner gave a very personal perspective of parents and people living with Mitochondrial Disease, having a son Jason, who suffers from Leigh's Disease. Attendees also heard from Rob Ryan who gave a brief outline on his involvement with the UMDF. 

The session ended with a very interesting and informative panel discussion where people from the congregation were able to put their questions to the panel of experts.

The day was a great success and attendees have reported they were both impressed with the topics covered and hugely grateful to meet others within the Mitochondrial community.