Sarah Tait and her son Nicholas.
One local family has been on a mission to raise awareness about mitochondrial disease for some time now and some recent support from several good friends means the campaign and education are growing across the Ottawa Valley.
Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week 2024 runs from Sept. 16-22. Light Up for Mito is a global initiative as part of the week to raise awareness and support for those living with Mitochondrial disease. The campaign invites the public to install and display green light bulbs to show support for the cause.
Sarah Tait’s son, Nicholas, who is 16, has an Undiagnosed Rare Disease with Mitochondrial Dysfunction. For years the Arnprior mom has been raising awareness for the cause, efforts that in recent years drew the attention of Leslie Anne Hook of Urban Runaway, who jumped to offer support.
Sarah is grateful for all the support.
Leslie Anne said the campaign has gone from about 50 green light bulbs that first year to some 500 now.
This year, storefronts in Arnprior have even begun to light up in green, beginning with Valley Girls Plus (VGP) at 90 John St. North. Owners Stacy Mullins-Campbell and Dianne Newton decorated their windows in green to show support and have made green bulbs available for Arnprior residents wishing to participate in Light Up For Mito, available while supplies last. Sarah, along with Urban Runaway, expressed thanks VGP for their support.
Stacy said getting involved in the campaign was a natural fit for her VGP, a business that is committed to inclusivity in every aspect.
For more information on Sarah, Nicholas and the Light Up For Mito campaign, visit the Urban Runaway website.
(Written by Sherry Haaima)
Valley Girls Plus in Arnprior is aglow for Light Up For Mito.