Vol. 5, Iss.2 - The United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation
Transcription
Vol. 5, Iss.2 - The United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation
Mitochondrial News United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation UMDF Symposium Slated for San Diego on March 2-4, 2001 S an Diego, California, will be the next meeting site for the UMDF family conference. Please mark the dates on your calendar now! While this meeting follows less than a year after our very successful symposium in Cleveland, UMDF is taking advantage of a medical/scientific meeting already in the planning stages. The family conference will run from Friday afternoon, March 2 (registration and a welcoming reception) through Sunday, March 4 at noon. The meeting will be held at the Hyatt Islandia, a beautiful hotel facility on San Diego’s Mission Bay. The hotel can easily accommodate the medical and family meeting simultaneously and will provide a vacation-like atmosphere for participants. Program Directors Mark Fleming and Sharon Shaw are working to provide a valuable educational experience, including lectures on clinical care, coping, nutrition, therapeutics, occupational therapy, physical therapy, exercise, insurance, SSI, and advocacy. In addition, families will have ample opportunity to interact with physicians during two separate panel discussions. Tentative speakers include Boles, DiMauro, Haas, Munnich, Naviaux, Stein and Turnbull. The medical/scientific meeting for medical personnel will take place February 28 through Sunday, March 4. Robert Naviaux, M.D., Ph.D. is serving as the Program Chair for the medical conference. Other members of the organizing committee include Richard Haas, M.D., William Nyhan, M.D., Ph.D., Keshav Singh, Ph.D., Douglas Wallace, Ph.D. and Steve Zullo, Ph.D. The Committee has generously agreed to provide speakers for the family conference. UMDF received good feedback from the Cleveland symposium, and suggestions on how to improve the symposium will be implemented to every extent possible. We are looking forward to another successful conference and hope to continue to provide families with the most current research and substantive information. Registration forms and detailed information will be mailed to every UMDF member in late fall. A registration form will also be included in the next issue of the newsletter and a copy will be placed on the web site: www.umdf.org. Nutrition Therapy for Disorders of Fat Metabolism By Najeebah S. Shine, MS, RD, LD M etabolism is the complex process of the body burning food to produce energy. The part of the cell responsible for energy production is the mitochondria. In disorders of fat metabolism, there is a problem in the mitochondria with one of the steps necessary to turn fat into energy. This article will provide an overview of the goals of nutrition therapy for patients with a fat metabolism disorder. This article is a summary of a presentation given at the June 2000 International Conference on Mitochondrial Diseases. When working with children and adults who have fat metabolism disorders it is important to remember that the benefits of diet therapy can vary. Some diet changes could prove beneficial while others could be dangerous. There is no standard diet treatment and any adjustments should be made under the guidance of a physician and registered dietitian. The goals of the diet therapy should be to promote growth and development for children, to maintain appropriate weight for height for adults, and to prevent nutritional imbalances for both. The initial nutrition consultation should consist of a comprehensive assessment. A 24 hour food recall and food frequency can help to determine the adequacy of the current diet, eating habits, feeding problems/difficulties, and the use of alternative routes of feeding such as feeding tubes. Weight, height, and head circumference for children should be measured. Supplement usage, medContinued on page 3 Mitochondrial News 2 Summer 2000 • Volume 5 Issue 2 United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation Chairman’s Report We’re moving again! To a larger office on the second floor (of the same building) that will more than double our work-space. This new facility will house 7 workstations, (giving us room to grow) a conference room and necessary storage space for all our member and chapter materials. Our computers and phones may be down for short periods of time but we hope to be up and running with minimal interruptions. This move is being funded in large part by an Economic Development Grant secured through Pennsylvania State Representative Joseph Markosek. This is the second grant amounting to $10,000 received by UMDF through Representative Markosek who said when interviewed, “I believe it is important for us to bring in state programs to help local humanitarian, nonprofit entities to succeed.” There is money available in every state through your local legislators. Don’t be bashful, call them up and introduce them to UMDF. I guarantee you that Rep. Markosek can now pronounce the word “mitochondrial” as well as explain its function. With your continued help and support we continue to carefully grow the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation. Your Foundation is being properly positioned to meet the continued challenges facing nonprofit groups without losing sight of our mission: To promote research for cures and treatments of mitochondrial disorders and to provide support to affected families. Current initiatives in process which will help in our “quest for the cure:” • UMDF’s Vice-President, Mark Fleming has again “stepped up to the plate” to chair a governmental affairs committee that will begin to look at finding better funding approaches to mitochondrial research. • Expansion of staff, office and equipment to better service our growing membership. • Budgets in the process of review for “Symposium 2001.” • Sight locations and particulars being discussed for “Symposium 2002 and 2003.” • Strategic planning session and board meeting scheduled for all UMDF Trustees in September 2000. • A meeting bringing together all UMDF Chapter Presidents organized for October 2000. • Reviewing scripts for our first public service announcement video. • Preparation of “Annual Report 2000.” • The UMDF logo is now a registered trademark. • Continued expansion of our research grant program. • Increasing the value and content of the UMDF Newsletter. • Production of informative brochures. Will any of the above initiatives produce the “pill” for the cure? - No! But each one will have a positive impact, perhaps opening the door and paving the way for earlier detection and diagnosis, more effective treatments and then ultimately the “pill” that will cure mitochondrial disorders. The office, in the meantime, continues to receive over 400 phone calls each month. Unfortunately, too many of them still begin with, “Hello, my name is Jane Doe and I just found out my child has a mitochondrial disease, can you help me.” Your staff acknowledges with the only response they know, “Of course we can, that’s why we’re here.” My continued gratitude goes to the true founders of UMDF, our loved ones who suffered and continue to suffer. Yours towards a cure, Chuck Mohan Chairman P.O. Box 1151 Monroeville, PA 15146-1151 Phone 412-793-8077 Fax 412-793-6477 email: umdf@nb.net http://www.umdf.org Board of Trustees Chuck Mohan, Chairman Marsha Barnett Bruce H. Cohen, M.D. John DiCecco Mark Fleming Jane Clarke McManus Lee Neff Nick Rillo Scientific Advisors Gerard T. Berry, M.D. Richard G. Boles, M.D. Salvatore DiMauro, M.D. Carol Greene, M.D. Richard Haas, M.B., B. Chir. Charles L. Hoppel, M.D. Richard Kelley, M.D., Ph.D. Douglas S. Kerr, M.D., Ph.D. Nicholas Krawiecki, M.D. Arnold Munnich, M.D., Ph.D. Robert K. Naviaux, M.D., Ph.D. William L. Nyhan, M.D., Ph.D. Brian H. Robinson, Ph.D. John Shoffner, M.D. Eric Shoubridge, Ph.D. D. M. Turnbull, M.D., Ph.D. Rajiv R. Varma, M.D. Georgirene Vladutiu, Ph.D. Douglas C. Wallace, Ph.D. National Office Leslie Boyer, Executive Director Antoinette R. Beasley Robert Bolewitz Melinda O’Toole Kara Strittmatter The opinions reported in the newsletter are not necessarily endorsed by the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation. Our intent is to keep you informed, and we ask that you always discuss any diagnoses, treatments or medications with your personal physician. © United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation Summer 2000 • Volume 5 Issue 2 Mitochondrial News 3 Nutrition Therapy for Disorders of Fat Metabolism Continued from page 1 ication lists, and lab results should also be collected. This information is then used to determine an appropriate nutrition care plan. A registered dietitian should see patients during the first or second visit of the medical evaluation. In many circumstances, test results are still pending, but a nutrition consult at this time can help to alleviate symptoms such as low blood sugars or weight changes. For example, for low blood sugars, patients should avoid prolonged periods without food. Small frequent meals, a bedtime snack of complex carbohydrates such as pasta, bread, or oatmeal, and overnight feedings are crucial to patients who have difficulty controlling their blood sugars. Uncooked cornstarch, a good source of complex carbohydrate, can be successfully utilized with patients using a feeding tube. Cold water can be slowly mixed with the uncooked cornstarch prior to feeding to keep the cornstarch from swelling and blocking the tube. In addition, a water flush can be administered before and after each feeding to prevent a blockage in the tube. For patients with fat metabolism disorders such as very-long chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (VLCAD) or medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MCAD), diets modified in fat are prescribed. There are metabolic nutrition protocol manuals available for dietitians and other health care professionals to use to plan and monitor diets for patients who require manipulation of their carbohydrate, protein or fat intake. For example, the manual produced by the Ross Products Division of Abbott Laboratories features a protein, vitamin, mineral powdered formula with iron called ProViMin for infants and children with fat metabolism and other metabolic disorders. In VLCAD, the manual recommends limiting total fat to no more than forty percent (40%) of total calories. Long-chain fats are restricted to less than ten percent (10%) of total calories. The remaining fat energy is made up with medium-chain fats with a commercial product called MCT oil. Carnitor, Coenzyme Q10, and B Complex vitamins are common components of a treatment plan for patients with fat metabolism disorders to improve energy production. Tolerance can be an issue and a physician and dietitian should work closely together to make sure food is not displaced by an excessive consumption of supplements. Parents should be encouraged to report supplement usage to identify drug-nutrient interactions and prevent unwanted side effects. Follow-up is imperative to the success of diet therapy for patients with fat metabolism and other mitochondrial disorders. A dietitian should be a part of the multidisciplinary medical team to help evaluate the nutrition status of the patient periodically. Weekly phone calls and monthly follow-up visits with the dietitian may be required until weight and symptoms are stabilized. There are many computer software packages available to analyze the calorie, carbohydrate, protein, fat, vitamin and mineral content of a diet. The First DataBank Division of the Hearst Corporation has a Windows-based program called Nutritionist V that produces several reports to illustrate the nutrient content of meals or recipes. In addition, Nutritionist V has a database to record and track patient progress. Managing patients with disorders of fat metabolism requires the commitment and skill of an experienced team. The patient and family must be included as an integral part of the team and need to demonstrate a clear understanding of the challenges and risks of the diet therapy. As described above, the diet treatment may be beneficial. The results may be seen immediately or in a few months, but many patients may not benefit from the nutrient manipulation. Motivation and commitment are key elements in the success of the diet. Editor’s Note: The UMDF does not support or endorse any particular metabolic center or laboratory. Special Meeting: October 14 A membership meeting is called for Saturday, October 14, 2000, at 3:00 p.m. at the UMDF offices, 8085 Saltsburg Road, Suite 104, Pittsburgh, PA 15239. Up for discussion is approval of the minutes from the last meeting, discussion of UMDF’s financial position, and election of new Trustees. Any member is welcome to attend. Please call 412-793-8077 for further information. Annual Giving and The United Way If you, a member of your family, or your friends participate in a workplace campaign for United Way and Corporate Matching Gifts Program, please consider promoting UMDF by distributing our literature or by asking colleagues to match your support. We will acknowledge each gift received unless otherwise indicated or if no address is provided. The United Way campaign in your local area is designed to meet a diversity of health and human care needs. You may give an unrestricted gift and in some areas, you may designate UMDF as your recipient for United Way funds. Call your local United Way office to find out if there is a DONOR CHOICE program in your area. We have received funds from a variety of communities through the Donor Choice program and appreciate being included in this effort. Simply complete the appropriate form as follows: United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation P. O. Box 1151, Monroeville, PA 15146-1151 Phone (412) 793-8077 Fax (412) 793-6477 Attention: Toni Beasley Mitochondrial News 4 Summer 2000 • Volume 5 Issue 2 Thanks To Our Contributors 2-26-00 to 8-07-00 The United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation wants to thank the many people who have made contributions that will support our initiatives. GUARDIANS ($1000+) In Honor Of Andrew Uhrman Merrill Lynch Morris & Jeannette Bir In Honor Of Carly Platt Stan & Carole Davis In Honor Of Cristin Murphy Zink Eileen Murphy In Honor Of All Those Affected by Mitochondrial Disease Don Maine In Memory Of Emma Grace and Thomas Christopher Montgomery Tracey & Thom Montgomery In Honor of The Markowitz Grandchildren Forest City Enterprises Charitable Foundation Hillcrest Hospital Leonard & Joan Horvitz Mr. Robert Kane Dr. & Mrs. Philip Kazden Marc’s Dr. Martin & Mrs. Norma Markowitz MBNA Dr. & Mrs. Beno Michel Jeffrey Mirvis Mr. & Mrs. Robert M. Mirvis National City Bank In Honor Of 3rd UMDF Symposium Sisters of Charity Foundation In Honor Of Kyle Kobunski Diane Kobunski Richard & Sabrina DiMichele In Memory Of Sarah Elizabeth Langer David Langer In Honor Of William ”Bill” Evans Dr. Joan Evans In Honor Of Zachary & Samuel Juhlmann Mary Fischer In Honor Of Mary Quincy Parsons Mary P. Clarke In Memory Of Emma Allard Armen & Gloria Hampar SUSTAINING ($500 - $999) In Honor Of All The Children AXA Foundation John Crawford In Memory Of Bridget Flanagan Fanoe Catherine, Nick & Aengus Fanoe In Memory Of Douglas A. Quallich Patti Quallich In Honor Of Erik DeArce Mr. & Mrs. Paul DeArce In Memory Of Gina Marie Mohan Mohan’s Restaurant Richard & Mary Kubach In Honor Darby Butts Pamela J. Butts In Honor Of Heidi Marie Daniel Michele Daniel Norma Daniel Gibson In Honor Of The Markowitz Grandchildren Alcon Foundation Alliance Capital Management Marilyn Bedol Fran and Jules Belkin In Honor Of Jordan & Arielle Cohen American Cancer Society/Bill Dalton Lila & Henry Levy Dr. & Mrs. Philip Kazden In Memory Of Kyle Christopher Meyer Dave & Val Meyer In Honor Of Kyle Kobunski Todd & Jodi Khas In Memory Of Linda M. Rice Joseph & Patricia Rice In Honor Of Michael Spado Annette Edwards In Memory Of Philip Neff Mr. & Mrs. Edwin Loving In Memory Of Vikrant Nansi Vinita Nansi SPONSORING ($300 - $499) In Honor Of All Affected by Mitochondrial Disorders John Sheedy, III In Honor Of All The Children Naomi Lippincott In Honor Of Andrew & Nathan Holland Beaver Dam Presbyterian Church In Memory Of Andrew David Bishop Kimberly-Clark Foundation In Memory Of Emma Grace & Thomas Christopher Montgomery Arizona Rangers In Honor Of Hannah & Emma Bruder Lisa & Scott Bruder In Honor Of Jessica Della Zanna Tony & Karen Della Zanna In Memory Of Joshua Cummings Donna Beecher In Honor Of Kerie Krystina Dwyer Kelley Dwyer In Honor Of Kyle Kobunski June & John D’Amico In Honor Of Mary Quincy Parsons PepsiCo Foundation In Honor Of Stewart William Hodges Mr. & Mrs. Frederick Robertson SUPPORTING ($100 - $299) In Honor Of Amanda N. Polsky Marge & Joe Scaduto Mr. & Mrs. James Duffey Alan & Elaine Montgomery In Honor Of Alexa Van Buren Mr. & Mrs. John R. Farrell In Honor Of Alicia F. Yrarrazaval Rafael Yrarrazaval Elizalde In Honor Of All The Children Lyle Schutte In Honor Of Andrew Uhrman Mr. & Mrs. Malcolm Zucker In Honor Of Ashton B. Anderson Hunter & Traci Anderson In Honor Of Brandon Cardoso Martha & Carlos Cardoso In Memory Of Christopher John Carracino Daniel Simson In Memory Of Conor Philip Doerhoff Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Doerhoff In Memory Of Douglas A. Quallich Pfizer, Inc. In Honor Of Duncan Bender The Album Interiors In Memory Of Elizabeth ”Frilly” Kuykendall S.L. McLean Vestavia Hills Rotary Club John & Gail Prugh and Family Elizabeth N. Cohen In Memory Of Emma Grace and Thomas Christopher Montgomery Arizona Rangers In Honor Of Erik DeArce James & Beth DeArce In Memory Of Faoileann & Seamus Webb Franz & Helga Geyling In Memory Of Gina Marie Mohan Dr. Robert F. Autore George & Kathy Svilar Quality Services Incorporated Mr. & Mrs. Brian Samberg Gateway Basketball Boosters Robert Reynolds Eugene & Linda Autore Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Sboray Guy & Celeste Autore In Honor Of Grant M. Henry Mr. & Mrs.Philip Brua In Honor Of Hannah & Emma Bruder Marlene & Howard Novasel Richard & Pat Bruder Summer 2000 • Volume 5 Issue 2 SUPPORTING ($100 - $299) (cont.) In Honor Of Heidi Marie Daniel KPMG Peat Marwick LLP In Honor Of Jacob Willis Chester & Faye Gierlach In Honor Of Jakob D. Kravitz Ellen Kravitz In Honor Of Jeffrey Moran Mr. & Mrs. Peter Barker In Honor Of Jonah Oakes Walker Patricia Walker In Honor Of The Markowitz Grandchildren Susan Powar Marvin & Sheila Wolf Dr. & Mrs. Sanford Shifrin Dr. & Mrs. Richard Gold Leonard & Sue Bernstein Mr. & Mrs. Robert M. Lustig In Memory Of Joshua Cummings Elizabeth Miller Mr. & Mrs. Joseph DeLuca Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Pancaldo Michael & Lori Levesque In Honor Of Justin Hagdahl Barbara & Bret Hagdahl In Memory Of Justin T. Wilson Donn & Patricia Falls In Memory Of Kayla Elizabeth Naughton Joanne O. Healy In Memory Of Kerowyn Elizabeth Irene Lawson San Angelo Community Med. Ctr. Town & Country Food Stores Mitochondrial News 5 In Honor Of All Those Affected By Mithochondrial Disease Krista Scherrle Carl Thompson In Honor Of Kyle Kobunski Dave & Peggy Dudash Donald & Karen LaMonica Betsy & Jeffrey Ahola Tony & Molly Musca Dr. & Mrs. John G. Poulos Nicole & Thomas Mawby Eric & Robin Polack Ronald Kobunski & Family In Honor Of Laura Dribin Beth & Dennis Dribin In Honor Of Laura Sullivan Brian & Diane Sullivan In Honor Of Laurie Buscher Mike & Laurie Buscher In Honor Of Margo Quarrles Ruth & Richard Schwartz In Honor Of Mary Quincy Parsons Mitchell & Wendi McGowan In Memory Of Matthew James Dudgeon Sharon Cardazzi Tim & Judy Dudgeon County Wide Printing Michael Sacks Southern Catskill Track & Field Nancy Leonard Wendy Raupers Antonio Dipietro Monroe-Woodbury Babysitting Co-op Blooming Grove Rod & Gun Club Lillian & Dorothy McCue Letters from the Heart There are many ways to raise money. The national office receives donations in memory of loved ones, in honor of loved ones, and in honor of special occasions (such as anniversaries, birthdays, etc). We recently we received the following letters which not only touched our hearts but also reminded us that there are many ways to support UMDF’s mission. Thank you Jack and Helen for your thoughtfulness and generosity. In Memory Of Megan Camaiani Thomas Dowell In Memory Of Morgan Elizabeth Resch Dottie Tubbs Jeff & Julie Kautz Horace Mann School In Honor Of Morgan Kozuch William Kozuch In Memory Of Nicholas Cornacchia St. Bernard’s Elem. School In Honor Of Nicholas Nunno Gloria & Peter Colli Mr. & Mrs. Don Bernstein Mr. & Mrs. Michael Nunno Mr. & Mrs. Alex Roque Vesey & Nunno Kidvertisers In Honor Of Paul Shubeck Caroline A. Shubeck In Honor Of Peter Lowney Connie & John Lowney In Honor Of Rhys Aaron Hirsch Mr. & Mrs. Jerome Snider In Honor Of Riki Kusuhara Elaine Christensen In Honor Of Sean Clark John & Diane Clark In Memory Of Stefany Hagdahl Ken & Carol Hagdahl In Honor Of Suzanne Marous Joe & Rosemary Arends In Honor Of Timothy Russell Carolyn & Dan Russell In Memory Of Tyler Grey Robinson Desiree & Barry Robinson In Honor Of Zeth Ullman David & Kathleen Stoddard Dear U.M.D.F, Here is $170 from my first Holy Communion. I hope it will help the U.M.D.F. My little brother Peter has a mitochondrial disease too. Thank you!!! Jack Lowney Dear U.M.D.F., Just a note of explanation. I am sending this donation as a thank-you to a Good Samaritan who changed my tire for me in the pouring rain! I offered to pay him and he refused, so therefore, I am sending the money I would have spent on that, to UMDF. Please send acknowledgement to the Good Samaritan (address was provided). Thank you very much, Helen Williams Mitochondrial News 6 Summer 2000 • Volume 5 Issue 2 Fundraisers The Rice Family - Raising Awareness in NYC and Dollars for Research by Joe Rice We would like to thank everyone who participated in the 1st Annual Fundraiser in support of the Linda Rice Memorial for the benefit of the UMDF. The grand prize for our first event included a two night stay in a luxury hotel suite at the Manhattan Club and theater tickets for the Broadway production of “Les Miserables”, donated by the Joseph Rice Family. Also included were dinners for two at two of Manhattan’s finest restaurants, donated by Rossini’s and Le Madri. Chuck Mohan, Heidi, Heidi’s mother Norma Gibson and sister Tami at the June Conference. Our Girl Heidi (and her entire family) Strikes Again This past June, Norma and Morgan Gibson held their annual wine tasting and barbecue in honor of their daughter, Heidi Marie Daniel. The event raised $3,963 to date and more is expected to come in according to Heidi. Mark Fleming, UMDF Trustee, attended the event and addressed the crowd about UMDF. Thanks Norma, Morgan and Heidi. Your ongoing commitment to the UMDF Mission is outstanding!!!! “Back to the Beach” Fundraiser The Rice family: Sandra, Joseph and Patrica. Thanks to the generosity of everyone who purchased raffle tickets, we were able to raise $5,675 which will help fund research in the field of mitochondrial disease. The winning ticket was drawn by Linda’s surviving daughter, Sandra, at Cafe’ Testarossa in Syosset, NY. Veronica and Guy Garziano won the weekend in Manhattan. A second ticket was drawn for a “dinner for two” donated by Billy Sasson, the owner of Cafe’ Testarossa. Charlie and Teri Zillman were the winners of this prize. Several business establishments assisted in selling raffle tickets. We would like to thank Rossini’s Restaurant in NYC, Cafe’ Testarossa, Richard Jean Salon and Atlantis Health Network in St. James, NY and A.P. French Cleaners in Smithtown. Their belief in this cause helped our fundraiser be so successful. A final “thank you” is sent to the UMDF Headquarters for their never ending support and confidence in a newcomer to fundraising. Managing a fundraiser such as this one takes a great deal of time and effort, but is also very rewarding. We are currently trying to start a New York/New Jersey Chapter of the UMDF (the Rice Family and the DeArce Family are working to establish a group and/or chapter). If anyone reading this article is interested in helping with this endeavor, please contact the Rice Family at 631-862-8975. Thanks again to all of the participants in the fundraiser who helped to make it so successful. Debra Lloyd of New York raised $331 in honor of her son Joshua Lloyd and in memory of Morgan Resch. Donations were received from kids participating in a “Back to the Beach Day” at Joshua’s elementary school. Mito-What? In the Snow or On the Road What a year we have had so far with fundraisers! And our members continue to surprise us with new ideas. In February, the Gaetjen family (spearheaded by Victoria Vermette) raised over $6,500 with their first Mito-What? Ski Night which was held at the Shawnee Michaela Gaetjen Peak Ski Resort in Maine. The UMDF national office provided flyers and pledge sheets and Michaela Gaetjen’s family and friends did the rest. The evening was a great success - the skiing (provided free by the resort) and the food (prepared by the event organizers) was terrific. Thank you to all of the particpants and sponsors of the first Mito-What? Ski Night benefitting UMDF. Moving on to the roadways is the 3rd Annual Meagan E. Camaiani Mito-What? 5K Run/Walk which was another success! The race brought in over 280 runners from all over Florida and raised over $7,000 to benefit UMDF. Summer 2000 • Volume 5 Issue 2 7 Mitochondrial News Lori and Bob Camaiani have a great committee who helps them every year, including Michele Carieri (who was very pregnant during the event helped make the event a success). This year’s run was held on April 16, to honor Meagan’s birthday. 3rd Annual Meagan E. Camaiani Mito-What? 5K Run/Walk finish line. From East to West - Great Human Races Benefit UMDF! The United Way’s Great Human Race is an event held annually in many cities throughout the United States. This event gives local charities an opportunity to raise money for their cause without incurring the expenses of sponsoring a big event. In 1999, the Arizona Desert Angels raised over $9,000 and in the Spring of 2000, they raised another $1,597.63. Val Eatmon, of Durham, North Carolina, registered for her local Great Human Race with the Volunteer Center of Greater Durham and raised $232.50. Not too bad for someone going to school full-time while obtaining pledges. Participants Walking In Memory of Bridget Fanoe With the help of family, friends and the United Way Volunteer Centers, anyone can increase awareness of mitochondrial disease and raise money to continue the UMDF Mission! If you are interested in participating in the Great Human Race, contact your local United Way for the Volunteer Center closest to you. Pittsburgh Golf Outing Raises Over $30,000 The Third Annual Pittsburgh Golf Outing was held on June 29 and played host to 120 golfers at Churchill Valley Country Club. The event attracted several area VIPs including State Representative Joe Markosek, Craig Patrick of the Pittsburgh Penquins and Frank B. Fuhrer, Jr. of Fuhrer Wholesale Company. In recognition of his ongoing support of UMDF, Mr. Fuhrer received a humanitarian award during the dinner as a special thank you. Chuck Mohan has been the chairperson and driving force behind the Pittsburgh Outing but he does not stop there when it comes to fundraising. Mr. Mohan hosts the Mohan Car Cruise several times during the year at his restaurant with all proceeds to benefit UMDF. Since its beginning in 1996, the Car Cruise has brought in over $3,000 for UMDF . Thanks Chuck!!!! Desert Angel Participants on March 25, 2000 are Lore Sheedy, Michael Sheedy, Karen Sheedy and John Sheedy’s (UMDF Member) niece, Taryn Sheedy. Back to the West Coast - Catherine and Nick Fanoe of Salinas, California participated in Monterey County’s Great Human Race and raised over $7,000 in pledges. The Volunteer Center noted that they were the top fundraising organization. WOW! Russell Meyer (far right), grandfather of Kyle Meyer, participated in the 2000 golf outing. Audio & Video Order Information The United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation Mitochondrial Cytopathies 2000 CONFERENCE TOPICS ON TAPE General Sessions • Keynote Address - Bernadine Healy, M.D., President & CEO American Red Cross Physician Seminars • Mitochondrial Structure & Function - Charles Hoppel, MD • Mitochondrial Genetics - Arthur B. Zinn, MD, PhD • Summary Panel Discussions - Bruce Cohen, MD, C. Hoppel, MD & A. Zinn, MD, PhD • Clinical Presentations of Mitochondrial Cytopathies - Bruce Cohen, MD • Diagnostic Evaluation of Suspected Mitochondrial Disorders Douglas Kerr, MD, PhD • Summary Panel Discussions - Bruce Cohen, MD, C. Hoppel, MD, D. Kerr, MD, & A. Zinn, MD • Transmission and Segregation of mtDNA: Implications of Genetic Counseling - Eric Shoubridge, PhD • A Model of Mitochondrial Disease as a Risk Factor in Anesthesia - Philip G. Morgan, MD • The Role of Mitochondrial Studies and the Diagnostic Process Charles A. Hoppel, MD • The Role of Nitric Oxide in Mitochondrial Function - Cecilia Giulivi, PhD • Mitochondrial Disease Diagnosis: Primary vs. Secondary Effects - John Shoffner, MD • Thymidine Phosphorylase in MNGIE. Cytochrome b Mutations Michio Hirano, MD, PhD • Chronic Hypoxis and mtDNA Deletions - Steven Zullo, PhD • mtDNA Polymerase Gamma Deficiency - Robert K. Naviaux, MD, Phd • Panel Discussion: R. Haas, R. Naviaux & P. Stacpoole • Coenzyme Q10 Therapy - Richard Haas, MB, B. Chir. • Evaluation of Dichloroacetate in Treatment of Mitochondrial Diseases - Peter W. Stacpoole, MD, PhD • Pyrimidine Therapy - Robert K. Naviaux, MD, PhD • Nutritional Management of Patients with Mitochondrial Disorders - Phyllis B. Acosta, DrPh, RD, LD • Therapy of Disorders of Pyruvate Metabolism - Douglas S. Kerr, MD, PhD • Role of Carnitine Therapy in Mitochondrial Disease - Charles L. Hoppel, MD • Panel Discussion: P. Acosta, C. Hoppel & D. Kerr • Case Oriented Problem Solving: Bruce Cohen, MD, Richard Haas, MB, B. Chir.; Michio Hirano, MD, PhD, Charles Hoppel, MD, Douglas Kerr, MD, PhD, Robert Naviaux, MD, John Shoffner, MD, and Arthur Zinn, MD, PhD Family Seminars • Introduction and Overview of Energy Metabolism - Bruce Cohen, MD • Issues in Adults with Mitochondrial Diseases - Robert Naviaux, MD, PhD • End of Life Care - Sarah Friebert, MD • Families Dealing with Chronic Illness - Sheryl Cohen, LISW • Nutritional Support - Phyllis Acosta, DrPh, RD, LD • Genetics of Mitochondrial Diseases - John Shoffner, MD • Luncheon with Physicians with Question & Answer. • Treatment for Mitochondrial Diseases - Richard Haas, MB, B Chir • Review of the Medical Meeting - Bruce H. Cohen, MD • Friday Night Banquet & Awards Ceremony ORDER INFORMATION 1. FOR AUDIO CASSETTES Cost: Single Tapes Any 12 Tapes (in album) Any 16 Tapes (in album) Full set of available tapes $5.00 per tape (1 to 2 topics per tape) $55.00 $69.00 $99.00 (24 tapes in albums) Shipping & Handling Fees: 1-3 Tapes $2.00 4-9 Tapes $4.00 10-20 Tapes $6.00 21+ Tapes $10.00 • Checks are made payable to Acoustic Recording. Mastercard, Visa & American Express also accepted (minimum order of $30.00, if less - add $1.00 to order) Forms with tape grouping information available through: Acoustic Recording 962 Bevan Street Akron, OH 44319 Phone: 330-645-9678 Email: IBTAPIN@aol.com Or Forms with audio tape grouping information also available through: UMDF Office 412-793-8077 Email: umdf@nb.net 2. FOR VIDEO TAPES Cost: Per Tape $20.00 Shipping & Handling $2.50 Forms with tape grouping information available through: UMDF National Office Attn: Tom Martens 8085 Saltsburg Road Pittsburgh, PA 15239 Phone: 412-793-8077 Fax: 412-793-6477 Email: umdf@nb.net • Mail Orders must be pre-paid. • Make checks payable to Tom Martens. • Visa and Mastercard accepted. Summer 2000 • Volume 5 Issue 2 Mitochondrial News 9 Mitochondrial Cytopathies 2000 Symposium Sponsors The United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation gratefully thanks and acknowledges the generous grant-in-aid from: Diamond ($10,000 and above) Marsha and Allen Barnett Fifth Third Bank MBNA America Platinum ($5,000-9,999) Stan and Carole Davis General Nutrition Corporation Leonard and Joan Horvitz The Kay Family Foundation and Manhattan Drug Company Dr. and Mrs. Martin Markowitz Sigma-Tau Pharmaceuticals The Cleveland Foundation Hal Uhrman/State Industrial Products Silver ($500-999) Alcon Foundation Alliance Capital Management Marilyn Bedol Fran and Jules Belkin Contract Pharmacal Corporation Copac Incorporated HVL Incorporated Dr. and Mrs. Philip Kazden National City Bank Crystal ($2,000-4,999) Forest City Enterprises Charitable Foundation Hillcrest Hospital Roche Vitamins, Inc. March of Dimes - Northern Ohio Chapter Mt. Sinai Health Care Foundation Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland Steve and Bonnie Spiegle Gold ($1,000-1,999) Morris and Jeannette Bir J. Richard and Rae Hamilton Larry and Tracie Kugler Victor Laughlin, M.D. Memorial Foundation Marc’s Merrill Lynch Dr. and Mrs. Beno Michel Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Mirvis Springs Blessings Fund Tishcon Corporation Triarco Industries Mr. Jeffrey Mirvis Mr. Robert Kane Vitaline Corporation Bronze (up to $499) Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Adler Leonard and Sue Bernstein Shirley and Lew Einbund Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Friedman Dr. and Mrs. Richard Gold F.R. Huntington Shirley and Ed Katz Lucille Key Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lustig Mr. and Mrs. Howard Novasel Susan Powar James and Barbara Reich Dr. and Mrs. Sanford Shifrin Marjorie Stern William Wedren Marvin and Sheila Wolf UNITED MITOCHONDRIAL DISEASE FOUNDATION Mitochondrial Cytopathies 2000 Bruce H. Cohen, M.D. (left) Co-chair of the UMDF Symposium Program Committee and Sheryl Cohen (right), Chair of the Family portion of the meeting, welcome Bernadette Healy, M.D. (center), the keynote speaker. Members of the Delaware Valley Chapter of UMDF gather at the symposium. Norma Markowitz (second from the left) was recognized for her fundraising efforts for the UMDF Symposium. She is flanked (left to right) by her husband, Martin, daughter Lisa Bruder, and UMDF Co-founder Kathryn Parsons. Members of the Ohio Chapter enjoy refreshments and comeraderie. Chuck and Adrienne Mohan receive a certificate of appreciation from Mark Fleming, UMDF Vice President and member of the Southern California Chapter. The “Mitoldies” representatives, Merrill Allen, Alice Adams, and Pat Kniel share stories, information, friendship and support. Deb and Bill Shea (center) officers of the New England Chapter converse with other meeting attendees during one of the breaks. Symposium program Co-chairs Charles Hoppel, M.D. and Doug Kerr, M.D., Ph.D., review some clinical aspects of mito disorders and field questions. David and Pam Dobke from Wisconsin discuss issues with another meeting attendee. In the background, beside the UMDF booth, is Michelle Nelson of Illinois. After a long day of scientific sessions, Drs. Robinson, Haas and Shoffner enjoy a moment at the UMDF Unity Banquet. Mitochondrial News 12 Doctor Referrals Looking for a Physician who Manages other Mito Patients? We asked for assistance from the UMDF membership to provide names of physicians who they were please with and the following names were submitted (in alphabetical order by State): CALIFORNIA Richard G. Boles, M.D. Division of Medical Genetics Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles 4650 Sunset Boulevard, Box 90 Los Angeles, CA 90027 Office Phone: 323-669-2178 Fax: 323-665-5937 Specialty: Medical Genetics Type of Patients Seen: Pediatric Greg Enns, M.D. University of California San Francisco/Stanford Health Care 300 Pasteur Drive, H-315 Stanford, CA 94305-5208 Office Phone: 650-723-6858 Specialty: Genetics/Pediatrics Type of Patients Seen: Pediatric Referral made by member with patient affected with Complex I Deficiency Richard H. Haas, M.B., B. Chir. Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego Division of Pediatric Neurology 0935 9500 Gilman Drive La Jolla, CA 92093-0935 Office Phone: 858-587-4004 Fax: 858-587-8050 Specialty: Lactic Acidemia/Genetics/Metabolism Type of Patients Seen: Both. Fred Levine, MD, PhD c/o Jean Stewart MMDC, University of California San Diego San Diego, CA 92103 Office Phone: 619-543-6104 Specialty: Lactic Acidemia/Genetics/Metabolism Type of Patients Seen: Pediatric. FLORIDA Joseph A. Cimino, M.D. 1344 Apollo Blvd. Melbourne, FL 32901 Office Phone: 407-952-7900 (Vicky is nurse) Specialty: Neurology Type of Patients Seen: Pediatric Referral made by member with patient affected with Complex I & III Defects and Complex II & III. NOTE: Dr. Cimino has over 20 mito kids in his practice, keeps current with mito information. GEORGIA Jacqueline Barclay, M.D. Child Neurology Associates 5505 Peachtree Dunwoody Road Suite 500 Atlanta, GA 30342 Office Phone: 404-256-3535 Fax: 404-847-9596 Specialty: Pediatric Neurology Type of Patients Seen: Pediatric Referral made by member with patient affected with complex deficiencies, mitochondrial myopathy, lactic acidosis, OXPHOS, etc. Alan Cohen, F.C.C.P. Georgia Pediatric Pulmonology Associates 1100 Lake Hearn Drive Suite 450 Atlanta, GA 30342 Office Phone: 404-252-7339 Fax: 404-257-0337 Type of Patients Seen: Pediatric Referral made by member with patient affected with complex deficiencies, mitochondrial myopathy, lactic acidosis, OXPHOS, etc. Nicolas Krawiecki, M.D. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite Molecular Medicine Laboratory 5455 Meridian Mark Road, Suite 530 Atlanta, GA 30342-1600 Office Phone: 404-250-2650 Fax: 404-250-2660 Specialty: Genetics and Molecular Medicine Type of Patients Seen: Pediatric Referral made by member with patient affected with mitochondrial disease. John Shoffner, M.D. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite Molecular Medicine Laboratory 5455 Meridian Mark Road, N.E. Suite 530 Atlanta, GA 30342-1600 Office Phone: 404-250-2650 Toll Free: 888-448-1495 Fax: 404-250-2660 Specialty: Medical Genetics Type of Patients Seen: Pediatric Referral made by member with patient affected with complex deficiencies, mitochondrial myopathy, lactic acidosis, OXPHOS, etc. Summer 2000 • Volume 5 Issue 2 ILLINOIS Ammar Katerji, M.D. Swedish American Hospital 1400 Charles Street Rockford, IL 61104 Office Phone: 815-967-5437 Fax: 815-966-2092 Specialty: Pediatric Neurology Type of Patients Seen: Pediatric Referral made by member with patient affected with Complex I, MELAS, and COX. INDIANA Rebecca S. Wappner, M.D. Riley Hospital for Children 702 Barnhill Drive, Room 0907 Indianapolis, IN 46202-5225 Office Phone: 317-274-3966 Fax: 317-278-0936 Specialty: Metabolic Disorders Type of Patients Seen: Pediatric Referral made by member with patient affected with Leighs Disease. MARYLAND Andrea L. Gropman, M.D. Neurogenetics Branch National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH 10 Center Dr., Bldg. 10, Rm 3304 Bethesda, MD 20892 Office Phone: 202-884-2100 Fax: 301-480-3365 Email: agropman@nhgri.nih.gov Specialty: Pediatric Neurology Medical Genetics Type of Patients Seen: Both Referral made by a member with patient affected with Complex I deficiency. MASSACHUSETTS Mark S. Korson, M.D. Boston Children’s Hospital, Metabolism 300 Longwood Ave. Boston, MA 02115 Office Phone: 617-355-6394 Specialty: Metabolism Type of Patients Seen: Pediatric Referral made by a member with a patient affect with Leighs and Complex Deficiencies. Thomas Magerian, M.D. Boston Children’s Hospital, Neurology 300 Longwood Avenue Boston, MA 02115 Office Phone: 617-355-6369 Specialty: Pediatric Neurology Type of Patients Seen: Pediatric Referral made by a member with patient affected with Leighs. Summer 2000 • Volume 5 Issue 2 MICHIGAN Jeffrey Levin, M.D. 4705 Towne Center Saginaw, MI 48604 Office Phone: 517-249-8001 Specialty: Neurology Type of Patients Seen: Both MINNESOTA Stephen A. Smith, M.D. HCMC EM/Neuromuscular Lab 825 South 8th Street, Ste LL-05 Minneapolis, MN 55404 Office Phone: 612-347-7635 Fax: 612-904-4240 Email: stephen.a.smith@co.hennepin.mn.us Specialty: Neuromuscular Type of Patients seen: Both Referral made by a member with patient affected with Mitochondrial Myopathy. NEW JERSEY Kenneth Hirsch, M.D. Rivendell Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine 704-A East Main Street Moorestown, NJ 08057-3070 Office Phone: 856-727-0242 Fax: 856-787-1896 Specialty: Pediatrician Type of Patients Seen: Pediatric Referral made by member with patient affected with complex I. NEW YORK Darryl DeVivo, M.D. Neurological Institute 710 West 168th Street New York, NY 10032 Office Phone: 212-305-5244 Fax: 212-305-7036 Specialty: Neurology Type of Patients Seen: Both Referral made by member with patient affected with complex I. NORTH CAROLINA G. Robert DeLong, M.D. Division of Pediatric Neurology P.O. Box 3936 Duke University Medical Center Durham, NC 27710 Office Phone: 919-684-3219 Fax: 919-681-8943 Specialty: Pediatric Neurology Type of Patients Seen: Pediatric Referral made by member with patient affected complex deficiencies, mitochondrial myopathy, lactic acidosis, OXPHOS, etc. Neal Speight, M.D. 2317 Randolph Road Charlotte, NC 28207 Office Phone: 704-334-8447 Type of Patients Seen: Adults 13 OHIO Bruce H. Cohen, M.D. The Cleveland Clinic Foundation Desk S-71 9500 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, OH 44195 Office Phone: 216-444-5559 (appointments) Office Phone: 216-444-9182 Fax: 216-445-9139 Specialty: Pediatric Neurologist Type of Patients Seen: Both Referral made by member with patient affected with Complex III. Douglas S. Kerr, M.D., Ph.D. Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital 11100 Euclid Avenue, Rm 790 Cleveland, OH 44106-6004 Office Phone: 216-844-3661 Specialty: Endocrinology and Metabolism Type of Patients Seen: Pediatric Referral made by member with patient affected with Complex I & IV Defect. Thomas L. Taxman, M.D. The Institute for Women’s & Children’s Health 2460 Fairmont Blvd., #312 Cleveland Heights, OH 44106 Office Phone: 216-791-4963 Fax: 216-791-5588 Specialty: Gastroenterology Type of Patients Seen: Pediatric OREGON Robert Steiner, M.D. Oregon Health Sciences University, Metabolic Clinic P.O. Box 574, Mail Code: CDRC-F Portland, OR 97201 Office Phone: 503-494-7859 Fax: 503-494-2781 Email: steinerr@ohsu.edu Specialty: Pediatrics and Molecular and Medical Genetics Type of Patients Seen: Pediatric Referral made by member with patient affected with Complex I & IV Deficiencies/Leighs. PENNSYLVANIA Gerard T. Berry, M.D. Professor of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine Abramson Research Center - 402 34th & Civic Center Blvd. Philadelphia, PA 19104 Office Phone: 215-590-3372 Fax: 215-590-4297 Specialty: Metabolism Type of Patients Seen: Pediatric Neil A. Busis, M.D. Shadyside Medical Center 5200 Centre Ave., Suite 612 Mitochondrial News Pittsburgh, PA 15232 Office Phone: 412-681-2000 Fax: 412-681-2474 Speciality: Neurology Type of Patients Seen: Adults Referral made by a member affected with Mitochondrial Myopathy. Paige Kaplan, M.D. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia 34th Street & Civic Center Blvd. Philedelphia, PA 19104 Office Phone: 215-590-3376 Fax: 215-590-4297 Email: kaplan@email.chop.edu Specialty: Metabolism Type of Patients Seen: Pediatric Rajiv R. Varma, M.D. 1811 Boulevard of the Allies Pittsburgh, PA 15219-5915 Office Phone: 412-281-3939 Fax: 412-281-2015 Specialty: Pediatric Neurology Type of Patients Seen: Pediatric Referral made by a member with patient affected with MELAS. TEXAS Fernando Scaglia, M.D. Department of Molecular & Human Genetics/Pediatrics Texas Children’s Hospital Feigin Center, Suite C235 6621 Fannin, Mail Code 3-3370 Houston, TX 77030 Office Phone: 713-770-4292 Email: fscaglia@bcm.tmc.edu Specialty: Molecular and Human Genetics Type of Patients Seen: Pediatric Referral made by member with patient affected with Complex I-III Deficiency. OVERSEAS SOUTH AFRICA Michael Lippert, M.D. P.O. Box 25314 Monument Park Pretoria, 0105 South Africa Office Phone: 012-344-1328 (overseas) Fax: 012-344-1357 (overseas) Specialty: Neurology Type of Patients Seen: Pediatric Referral made by a member with patient affected with Mitochondrial Enzyme Disorder. UNITED KINGDOM Professor A. Schapira National Hospital for Neurology Queens Square London, WC1N 3BG UK Office Phone: 44-171-830-2012 (overseas) Fax: 44-171-431-1577 (overseas) Speciality: Neurology Type of Patients Seen: Both Mitochondrial News Summer 2000 • Volume 5 Issue 2 14 UMDF Research Grant Awards Total $55,000 In 2000 The UMDF awarded $55,000 for research grants in 2000. Dr. Dikoma Shungu (New York, New York) will be using $36,719 of UMDF money to refine the measurement of lactic acid levels in cerebrospinal fluid without the need for lumbar punctures. The remaining $18,281 goes to Dr. George Perry (Cleveland, Ohio) for his study of the role of mitochondrial abnormalities in aging diseases, such as Alzheimer’s. I’ve included the details of each grant below. The UMDF membership has shown wonderful and consistent support for mitochondrial disease research. Your support is the reason this program has been such a success. Keep up the good work. Researchers: We have a total of $60,000 available for the 2001 grant cycle. Letters of Intent are due by September 17. Please contact the UMDF main office for a grant packet at 412-793-8077 or via email umdf@nb.net. Project Summaries: Principal Investigator: Dikoma Shungu Amount of award: $36,719 Award date: July 2000 Project summary: This research will seek to develop a test for screening patients suspected of having a mitochondrial disease. The test will be noninvasive in that it will be based on using magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) a technique that is nearly identical to standard MRI, except that it can measure levels of various biochemicals in the human body - to precisely quanti- UMDF Member, Joe Rice (third from left), of Long Island, presenting grant award to Dr. Dikoma C. Shungu (second from left). Also pictured is Dr. Salvatore DiMauro (far left) and Dr. Darryl DeVivo (far right). fy levels of lactic acid in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of suspected patients. We believe this to be worthwhile because studies we have conducted over the past 5 years on many patients with mitochondrial diseases have shown that a large proportion of these patients have measurable levels of lactic acid in their CSF, whereas control individuals did not. If further refined, this technique for measuring lactate in the CSF may prove to be a very useful tool for screening patients with mitochondrial diseases, and helping assess the degree of severity of the disease and its progression in future clinical trials of promising therapies. begins as mitochondrial abnormalities. To address this issue, we will 1) determine the relationship between oxidative damage, mitochondrial abnormalities and the pathology of the disease; and 2) determine whether some of the relationships noted in Aim 1 for AD hold true for Down syndrome. Completion of these aims will help to define the relationship of oxidative damage to mitochondrial abnormalities. Principal Investigator: George Perry Amount of award: $ 18,281 Award date: July 2000 Project summary: Evidence continues to accumulate that increased oxidative damage is important in Alzheimer Disease (AD) and may be the biochemical basis of the increased incidence of AD with aging. In published studies, we have shown oxidative damage affects every neuron in susceptible neuronal populations in cases of AD, but not in normal people. In unpublished studies, we show that the only abnormality of vulnerable neurons in AD is changes in mitochondria. This proposal will specifically investigate the idea that oxidative damage in AD UMDF is the fortunate recipient of a donation from Dick and Carol Perry of 12 original lithographs done by famous comedian and artist, Red Skelton. Red Skelton Lithos on Display In order to attract members of the community and others interested in Red Skelton, the lithographs are displayed for the public at the UMDF facility. This gives us an opportunity to meet people and provide information about mito disorder. If you or anyone you know lives in or will be visiting the Pittsburgh, PA area, please encourage them to stop by the office! Summer 2000 • Volume 5 Issue 2 The History of UMDF by Marsha Barnett A 15 Children’s Hospital. When Lee and I spoke, they were well into the planning of their conference. I optimistically agreed that the Barnett Center and St. Christopher’s would do the next symposium in Philadelphia. By the Indianapolis symposium, a number of individuals and organizations expressed interest in meeting one another. These included the COX Foundation, started by Chana Scholl and then headed by Chuck Mohan, and PALS (People Affected by Leigh’s Syndrome), represented by Mark Fleming. All the organizations were small groups trying to do the same thing as NLDF. National Leigh’s Disease Foundation was the longest established organization with the strongest financial position, the Cox Mitochondrial News heart our intentions, we created the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation. In 1996, Charles Wilbanks retired, dissolved NLDF, and donated the NLDF assets to UMDF to finalize the mergers with COX and PALS into UMDF. Marsha Barnett, Mark Fleming, Sherri Greenlee, Chuck Mohan, Lee Neff, and Kathryn Parsons made up the founding board of UMDF. UMDF held its first official board meeting on October 4, 1996 in Irvine, California. In addition to the names previously mentioned, the following served on UMDF’s Board of Directors in 1996: Catherine Higginbotham, Lauren Johnson, Kathy Malone, Tami Monson and Nick Rillo. For the first two years, UMDF was run solely fter the tremendous success of the Cleveland Symposium, the first mitochondrial meeting organized by UMDF, it became clear that to appreciate how far UMDF has come, we need to remember how it began. All accounts are interpreted by someone. This is how I remember it. Our sons, Chuckie and Michael, died of Leigh’s disease in 1981 and 1983. I had never heard of “metabolic disorders” until then and established the Barnett Center at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children to help other families find diagnoses sooner than we did. So I was very surprised one Sunday morning in April, 1991, to see Charles Osgood reporting a story on a family in San Antonio, Texas, who had two of their three children affected with Leigh’s disease. I tried to contact the family and was referred to Mr. Charles Wilbanks at National Leigh’s Disease Foundation (NLDF) UMDF’s Board of Directors (left to right)- October 4, 1996: Kathryn Parsons, Lee Neff, Laura Johnson, Kathy Malone, Tami Monson, Mark Fleming, Marsha Barnett, Nick Rillo, Catherine Higginbotham and located in Mississippi. Chuck Mohan. Founding Board Members (all pictured here) included Marsha Barnett, Mark Fleming, Sherri How could I have lost Greenlee, Chuck Mohan, Lee Neff and Kathryn Parsons. two children and not even known such an organization Foundation brought its database and by the volunteer efforts of the board. existed? Mr. Wilbanks began NLDF inspiring leader, and PALS offered its Part-time staff became necessary in after his grandson was diagnosed library of articles and strong volun1998 to help handle the growing with Leigh’s disease. After some disteer base. There were also individuorganization, and last year, UMDF cussions, Mr. Wilbanks asked me to als, like Kathryn Parsons, not affiliathired Leslie Boyer as its first full-time join the Board and became my coned with any group, but determined to Executive Director. tact person in the world of mitochonbring everyone together. At the meeting in Chicago, the drial disease. The interested parties agreed to UMDF mission statement was adoptAs activity at the Barnett Center meet in Chicago in November 1995. ed, “To promote research for cures and in mitochondrial medicine began The meeting was hosted by the NLDF and treatments of mitochondrial disto increase, Dr. Warren Grover, the and its board members who included ease and to provide support to affectmedical director of the Barnett myself, Penny Baum, Joe Carracino, ed families.” Our faith in the united Center, suggested that we sponsor a Donald Garrison, Sherri Greenlee, effort is the reason that UMDF has symposium on mitochondrial disLee Neff, Fred Sacco, and Charles, achieved such outstanding success eases. I called to discuss this with Chip, and Nancy Wilbanks. We came in only five short years. New players Mr. Wilbanks. He informed me that together believing that we are will come and go, but only by keepMatt and Lee Neff had proposed a stronger as a group than we are as ing this history close to our heart can similar symposium to be held in individuals working separately; out we continue to repeat the founders’ memory of their son, Philip, in of this meeting, with this belief at the success. Indianapolis in June, 1995, with Riley Mitochondrial News 16 Summer 2000 • Volume 5 Issue 2 Chapters and Support Groups Fundraising New England Chapter The Great Hunt Photo Camera Chase 12K Run & Walk was held on May 28 to benefit UMDF and it was organized by Eileen Mitchell, UMDF chapter officer. This race is an annual event and it has supported several different organizations in the past. Eileen took the initiative and asked the committee of the event to support UMDF. And they did. The event raised over $10,000 for UMDF and $4,254.08 of that came from pledges obtained by Jackie & John Tyler. The Ingram family obtained over $1,400 in pledges and Eileen herself obtained over $500 along with her duties organizing the event. President Jennifer Lyman (left) and Jamie Webber (right) of the Ohio Chapter display information at the June conference. Ohio Chapter - CoreComm Donates $10,000 CoreComm, a Cleveland-based full-service telecommunications provider, donated $10,000 to support the important mission of the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation, Ohio Chapter. CoreComm has traditionally supported causes that assist in the promotion of awareness, education, and support for the lives and families affected by devastating diseases such as Mitochondrial. Marty Lyman is a CoreComm Area Sales Manager, and father of three-year-old Caroline who has been battling Mitochondrial disease since she was four months old. Lyman explains, “Generous donations from companies like CoreComm are instrumental in our battle with this disease. Aggressive research is yielding valuable data which helps in our ultimate goal of finding a cure for this debilitating and often deadly disease. We are grateful and encouraged by CoreComm’s caring attitude and willingness to take action.” For more information about CoreComm, please visit www.core.com or call toll-free 1-877-CORECOM. Kids Fun Run at The Great Hunt Race. This type of event not only raises much needed money for research and support but it also spreads the word about mitochondrial disease. Eileen provided the national office with an article printed in the Wakefield Observer, a local newspaper. It was an excellent example of getting the word out in the community! The New England Chapter, including chapter officers Bill and Deb Shea, should be very proud of their first official event and it has been revealed that they may have an even larger event planned for this Fall. Wow! Thanks for the hard work. Delaware Valley Chapter of UMDF Busy, Busy, Busy Raising Money! Shelly’s Heroes 5K and 1 Mile Run/Walks and Tot Trots was held on March 18, 2000 in Hatfield, PA. This run was organized by the Kratz family, Michelle, Carolyn and Joanne Kratz, to benefit the UMDF and in recognition of the Shelly family of Harleysville, PA. Pat and Maripat Shelly are chapter officers and the driving force behind many fundraisers. They have a very active chapter and a great deal of support from their community, family and friends. The Shelly’s Heroes Run brought in over $10,000 exceeding their expectations! Merck & Co., Inc., was one Summer 2000 • Volume 5 Issue 2 Mitochondrial News 17 of the major sponsors of the event - we are grateful for their generosity and support. As you may recall, the Shellys help organize the “You Go Girl” Golf Outing every year. They will be supplying the national office with a “How to” guide for anyone interested in hosting a similar event. Call the office at 412-793-8077 if you are interested in hosting your own “You Go Girl” Golf Outing. latest dues renewal notice. If you did not receive the recipe format, please contact the national office at 412793-8077 or check out the web site (www.umdf.org) under News and Activities - Fundraising section. Call as soon as possible - don’t miss the deadline. NEW Fundraiser This chapter does not stop at running or golfing. They are now preparing a cookbook featuring favorite recipes from UMDF members, friends, and families. All proceeds from the sale of this cookbook will go to UMDF. Each recipe selected will show the name of the recipe contributor along with recognition of an affected friend or family members (e.g. In Honor of Joseph Smith, or In Memory of Susan Jones.) The national office mailed the recipe format with the Desert Angels, of Phoenix, AZ, were busy with the Great Human Race and their first ever multi-family yard sale. They received truckloads of donated items and held a one day sale that brought in over $700 in honor of Christian Marshall. A handful of volunteers gave their time and effort to make this a success and a special thanks to Debbie Strauss, sister of Cathleen Kane (Desert Angels group leader), who gave up her spring break to organize the event. One Source Digital Printing of Phoenix donated the advertising flyers - Thanks! Arizona Desert Angels Hold Yard Sale Support Groups and Chapters Continue to GROW Arizona Groups, The Desert Angels Support Group and Arizona Chapter (Chapter - newly forming) Desert Angels Contact: Cathleen Kane Phone: 480-807-8271 or 480-807-3201 Chapter Contact: Karen Lipps Email: my3lipps@earthlink.net Phoenix, AZ Atlanta Area Support Group (newly forming) Contact: Fair Franklin Email: lancefair@mindspring.com Atlanta, GA Australia Support Group (newly forming) Contact: Tara Collyer Phone: 07 3299 2607 Email: tarac@powerup.com.au Kingston, Queensland, Australia Delaware Valley Chapter & Support Group Contacts: Maripat & Pat Shelly Email: delvalumdf@aol.com Philadelphia, PA Website: http://thequestnet.com/DelValumdf/dvumdf.htm Greater Washington, D.C. Area Mitochondrial Support Group Contact: Andrea Gropman, M.D. Email: agropman@nhgri.nih.gov Bethesda, MD Melbourne Mitochondrial Support Group Contact: Kathy McElhinny and Christine Golden Email: mcelhinn@digital.net Email:Goldenfam4@aol.com Melbourne, FL New England Chapter & Support Group Contacts: Eileen Mitchell, Deb & Bill Shea Email: eimitch@nii.net Boston, MA New Mexico Chapter (newly forming) Contact: Laura Owens Email: lowen@adelphia.net Albuquerque, NM New York, Northern Area (newly forming) Contact: Angela Geising Email: annjelyca@hotmail.com Buffalo, NY New York, Southern Area (newly forming) Contact: Beth DeArce or Joe Rice Email: umdf@nb.net New Paltz, NY Ohio Chapter & Support Group Contact: Jennifer Lyman Email: Ohiomitoinfo@yahoo.com Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio (Cleveland area) Southern California Chapter & Support Group Contacts: Sharon Shaw or Lissa Mirand Emails: shshaw@aol.com Emails: rlmirand@earthlink.net Orange, CA (Los Angeles area) Western Pennsylvania Support Group Contact: UMDF Office Email: umdf@nb.net Monroeville, PA (Pittsburgh area) Wisconsin Support Group (newly forming) Contacts: Dave & Pam Dobke, The Heyer Family Emails: dpdobke@aol.com Emails: sheyer1233@aol.com (Sharon or Jim) Emails: wsheyer@aol.com (Wendy) Milwaukee, WI Looking for a Physician who Manages other Mito Patients? In the past issues of the Mitochondrial News, the UMDF asked its membership to provide names of doctors who manage Mito patients. For all those members who submitted doctor names, thank you! Once a member provided a physician name, we requested (from the physician’s office) permission to release the doctor’s name and contact information for print in the UMDF newsletter. However, for many of the submitted names, the physician’s office did not respond. As a foundation, we cannot make referrals or recommendations, but we know it is difficult to find doctors who treat other mitochondrial patients. The doctor referrals on pages 12 and 13 of this issue were submitted by our membership and the physicians gave UMDF permission to release this information. Please help us broaden our list of physician names for the benefit of all those affected by mitochondrial disease. If you are pleased with your physician(s), please take a few moments to fill out this form, and send it in ASAP so that we may publish results in the next issue. To expedite the process, please ask your physician to complete Part B of this form and then fax or mail the form back to our office at your earliest convenience. The UMDF fax number is 412-793-6477. Thank you. Part A (to be completed by the UMDF member) Name of Physician ______________________________________________________________ Your Name ____________________________________________________________________ Your Phone Number ( ____ ) ____________________________________________________ Mito Patient’s diagnosis and age ___________________________________________________ (If you wish to remain anonymous, please complete the information below and we will contact the physician’s office). Part B (to be completed by the Physician’s office) Institution (if any) _______________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ City ________________________________________ State ______ Zip _________________ Phone ( ____ ) ___________ Fax ( ____ ) ___________ Email _________________________ Specialty _____________________________________________________________________ Pediatric ■ Adult ■ Both ■ Please indicate the following: ■ Yes, I give my permission to print my name, address and phone numbers as listed above in an upcoming issue of the Mitochondrial News. ■ No, I do not give my permission to print my information in the newsletter. ■ No, I do not give my permission to publish my information in the newsletter but the UMDF office staff may provide the information on an as needed basis to members. Please sign and date: ________________________________________ Physician Signature _________________ Date UNITED MITOCHONDRIAL DISEASE FOUNDATION UMDF MEMBERSHIP AND DONATION FORM ■ ■ ■ ■ Enclosed are my $35 Annual Membership Dues (Outside U. S. $50 in U. S. Currency ) Enclosed is my gift of $ _______ to UMDF to help sustain research and family support. Donors of $40 or more wishing to receive a complimentary issue of Mitochondrial News. Change of address UNITED MITOCHONDRIAL DISEASE FOUNDATION MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: U.M.D.F. MEMBER / DONOR UMDF is a 501(c)(3) Organization. Gifts are tax-deductible according to IRS regulations. Name Address ▼ City State Phone: Home Zip Work FAX Email Address PLEASE CHECK ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Patient ■ Spouse Parent Relative Friend / Teacher / Other Medical Professional Specialty ______________________ ■ Professional Organization Name _________________________ Affected adult(s) / child / children’s name and date of birth: __________________________________________ UMDF can now accept MAC and VISA credit card charges for donations and dues. Fax or mail the following information to UMDF: credit card number, expiration date, names as listed on the card and signature. ▼ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ Mail membership, donations and address changes to: UMDF P.O. Box 1151 Monroeville, PA 15146-1151 UMDF MEMBERSHIP RELEASE FORM UNITED MITOCHONDRIAL DISEASE FOUNDATION IF YOU WANT TO NETWORK, please fill out this form and send to UMDF even if you are already a member Name Address City State Phone Zip FAX By signing the undersigned Release, the signator authorizes the release of name, addresses and/or phone numbers to be provided to other UMDF members. Email Address GENERAL RELEASE Please ■ DO ■ DO NOT provide my name and address to other members in my area. ■ DO ■ DO NOT include my phone number. ■ DO ■ DO NOT include my email address. Signature ________________________________________ Date ________________ If a physician or scientist requests names and addresses, the member will be contacted and given the doctor’s name. Under no circumstances will any member’s name be released to anyone but another member, and only if you have approved such release by indicating above. UMDF assumes no responsibility for the protection of the data except as described specifically in this release. At anytime, you may revoke your approval by delivering a written request to UMDF. Confidentiality is of utmost importance to UMDF and is essential to encourage networking among members. NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID UNITED MITOCHONDRIAL DISEASE FOUNDATION P.O. Box 1151 Monroeville, PA 15146-1151 Phone 412-793-8077 Fax 412-793-6477 email: camumdf@compuserve.com http://www.umdf.org Pittsburgh, PA Permit No. 4899 Volume 4 • Issue 2 • Summer 2000 In This Issue: Symposium 2001 Schedule . . . . . . . . . 1 Nutritional Therapy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Editor’s Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Contributors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Fundraisers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Symposium Photo Highlights . . . . . . . 10 Doctor Referrals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Research Grants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 History of UMDF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Support Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Doctor Referral Form . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Membership Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 NIH Launches Clinical Trials Web Site Patients and their families will have easy access to information about current clinical trials on a new Web site launched recently by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH). The site, developed by the NIH through its National Library of Medicine (NLM), can be found at www.ClinicalTrials.gov. The site lists more than 4,000 clinical studies at 47,000 sites, sponsored primarily by the NIH. It tells what each study involves, whether participants are being recruited, and requirements for eligibility. Contact information is provided for those who would like more information. During the coming year, additional studies from other federal agencies and the pharmaceutical industry will be included. The site, which will be updated often, will provide helpful information to health care professionals, as well as to patients, family members, and the general public. It is being developed as a result of an amendment to the FDA Modernization Act of 1999 sponsored in Congress by Senator Diane Feinstein (D-CA), for which NORD served as an advocate, requiring the establishment of a registry of both federally and privately funded trials for serious diseases or conditions. You will find a hypertext link to the site in the Library of Linkages on NORD’s web site at www.rarediseases.org. Reprinted from NORD’S Orphan Disease UPDATE, Volume 18, Edition 1, Spring 2000 NIH Minisymposium Tapes Available On March 14, 2000, the NIH held its 2nd Mitochondria Minisymposium and Dr. Steve Zullo has provided the UMDF national office with video tapes of the program. Some topics include the following: Heteroplasmy Screening of the Entire mtDNA by TTGE Polarography and Spectrophotometry: Making Sense of Respiratory Chain Assays in Clinical Mitochondrial Disease Results of the Open Label DCA Trial Complex I Defects in Oxidative Phosphorylation Disease Pyrimidine Therapy of Mitochondrial Disease Gene Therapy of Mitochondrial DNA Mutations Mitochondrial DNA repair in vitro and more. Cost is $75 for a set of five tapes (only sold in sets). If you are interested in obtaining these tapes, please send check or money order payable to UMDF to: UMDF - NIH Tapes 8085 Saltsburg Road Pittsburgh, PA 15239