Raising awareness for Mitochondrial Disease one step at a time! 

THOUSANDS of walkers will be traversing the coastline this Sunday, May 31, from 6.30 am as the Sunshine Coast ‘Bloody Long Walk’ sets about raising much-needed funds for the Mito Foundation and people impacted by mitochondrial disease.

Locally, ‘Team Maeve’ will once again be taking on the 35km walk, which will be departing from Coolum’s Tickle Park.

Dad to ‘Maeve’, who has mitochondrial disease, Joel Hood from Joel Hood Property said that the event continues to grow because of its welcoming atmosphere and stunning course.

“People can join our team or create their own, and the goal is to raise money for the Mito Foundation, which helps by assisting families and lobbying,” Joel said.

At the heart of Team Maeve’s involvement is their personal connection by way of Maeve.

“It’s about channelling the disappointment and sadness into something positive. The day gives people exercise, perspective and a chance to see parts of the coast they may never normally experience.”

Joel said the focus had now shifted toward building awareness and long-term support for mitochondrial disease, commonly known as mito — a debilitating genetic condition that robs the body’s cells of energy and can affect multiple organs.

Everyone has mitochondria in their cells. They provide 90 per cent of the energy our bodies need to stay alive. But when your mitochondria don’t work properly, it can be life-threatening. This is known as mitochondrial disease, or mito.

This Sunday, walkers will set off in waves beginning at 6.30 am, with the final group departing at 7 am from Tickle Park in Coolum.

“There are checkpoints every five kilometres with refreshments and toilets along the way. It might sound scary, but it’s not. We don’t train — we just give it a go,” Joel said.

Organisers are encouraging the wider community to get involved by cheering participants on, joining Team Maeve, creating their own team, or donating to the cause.

Participation fees help cover permits and event costs, while additional fundraising supports the Mito Foundation, which advocates for research, treatment and support for affected families.

Team Maeve is also helping shine the spotlight on another Sunshine Coast family fighting mito through the sale of their Peregian Beach home.

The property at 155 Clarendon Road is being sold by Joel Hood Property to help fund life-changing treatment for young Emily, who is living with a rare mitochondrial disease.

Funds raised through the sale will support Emily’s ongoing gene therapy, with her family already completing stage one of the treatment process.

“There are four stages, and this will help maintain her current quality of life,” Mr Hood said.

The family has shared their story via ‘Emily’s Garden Foundation’ in the hope of reaching a wider audience and building support for Emily’s future.

Community members can support the Bloody Long Walk by walking, donating, or simply turning out to cheer participants along the route this Sunday, May 31.  

MORE INFO 
www.bloodylongwalk.com.au/sunshine-coast/
www.emilysgardenfoundation.org
www.joelhoodproperty.com.au and search for ‘155 Clarendon’ to view the home being sold for Emily’s treatment.