Local Chiropractor Raises Awareness and Funds for Disease

From Staff Reports

In an effort to raise awareness of mitochondrial disease, Campbell Station Chiropractic participated in a unique fundraising event. On September 23, instead of charging patients for services at the Spring Hill office, patients were asked to make a donation to the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation. Not only did the event raise awareness about mitochondrial diseases but it also raised $2,320 for research towards a cure.

Photo Submitted Dr. Mario Milani, and his wife, Lara, present a check from funds raised to benefit mitochondrial disease and research.

“We are touched by the outpouring of support,” said Dr. Mario Milani. “We sent out 400 emails to patients, businesses and friends to tell them what we were doing and the response was wonderful.”

Dr. Milani and his wife, Lara, have a daughter, Natasha, who is affected by a mitochondrial disease. One out of every 4,000 children born in the United States will develop a mitochondrial disease by age 10. Mitochondrial diseases result from the failure of the mitochondria, which is a located in the cells of our bodies. Mitochondria are responsible for creating more than 90 percent of the energy needed to sustain life and support growth. When mitochondria fail, less energy is produced, causing cell injury or cell death. On a larger scale, organ systems begin to fail. Children with mitochondrial disease may not live to see their teenage years.

The fundraiser at Campbell Station Chiropractic was part of “Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week”, which is observed the nationally during the third week of September.

“We just want to thank everyone who participated and let them know that they are helping us move one step closer to a cure,” Dr. Milani said.

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