The mission of The Abel Foundation is to provide much needed aid to the sufferers of Mitochondrial Disease and to help their families cope with this life threatening disease as currently, there is no cure.

We aim to create a 24 hour support network via phone, email and text and be on hand to help people when they need it most, so they have someone to talk to who understands what they are going through on a daily basis.

As we grow, we aspire to provide on-site counsellors for hospitals and also financial aid to those desperately needing specialist equipment, medication and respite.

       What is Mitochondrial Disease?

Mitochondrial Disease is a chronic, genetic disorder that can be inherited in numerous ways, because there are many different forms of mitochondrial disease, meaning the effects of the disease vary between individuals.

When a person has mitochondrial disease, the mitochondria of the cells are not producing enough energy for the body to function correctly. Sometimes they are not very efficient or may not work at all. Depending on which mitochondria are diseased, different organs are affected. Activities like swimming, cycling, running or walking are incredibly difficult and in worse case scenarios, even simply breathing can become completely impossible.

       What are the Symptoms of Mitochondrial Disease?

The symptoms of Mitochondrial disease will be dependant on what type of Mitochondrial Disease you have and where in the body your Mitochondria are affected.

Some common examples are:

Poor growth
Loss of muscle coordination, muscle weakness and pain
Swallowing difficulties
Gastrointestinal disorders
Diabetes
Increased risk of infection
Thyroid and/or adrenal dysfunction
Neuropsychological changes, characterised by confusion, disorientation, and memory loss
Neurological problems, seizures
Autism
Sensory diffuculties such as visual and/or hearing problems, possibly even blindness and deafness
Developmental delays, learning disabilities
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Heart diseaseKidney disease

To find out more about the charity and its work, visit our facebook page...

https://www.facebook.com/theabelcharity

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