Organization Spotlight: The Cure Mito Foundation
About the Foundation
The Cure Mito Foundation was founded as a Cure SURF1 Foundation in 2018 by a group of families with children diagnosed with SURF1 Leigh syndrome. Although they had been told by doctors that there is no treatment or cure for this rare disease, these families were determined to fight for their children’s lives.
In 2021, after successfully leading the way for SURF1 gene therapy at UT Southwestern Medical Center, the foundation decided to expand their efforts. AS a result, they changed the name of their foundation from the Cure SURF1 Foundation to the Cure Mito Foundation.
The foundation’s primary focus is advancing research towards a cure for Leigh syndrome and, eventually, for mitochondrial disease as a whole. A successful outcome will mean not only hope for their own children but also life-saving treatments for future generations impacted by this disease.
Mission Statement
The Cure Mito Foundation’s mission is to unite the global Leigh syndrome community to accelerate patient-centered research, treatments, and cures.
Contact Information
Phone number: 646-483-7073
Email address: info@curemito.org
Homepage: https://www.curemito.org/
Learn More
Cure Mito is pleased to share two registry resources that they have developed with a working group. You can learn more about the working group and download this PDF: Best Data Practices for Rare Disease Patient Foundations and Researchers - WORKING GROUPS - PHUSE Advance Hub;
If you like to be a speaker at Cure Mito’s virtual conference, please fill out this form;
Cure Mito is creating a database of doctors of all specialties who treat Leigh syndrome patients. To share a doctor who has treated Leigh syndrome patients, please click here;
Cure Mito and the Orphan Disease Center created a short video: Frequently Asked Questions about Registries. Together, Cure Mito and UPenn Orphan Disease Center created a survey that was sent out to many patient groups to identify gaps in how patient groups use registries and work with data. To view the video, click here;
Resources
Latest From Know Rare
Discover the latest treatments for IgA Nephropathy (IgAN), a rare kidney disease. Learn how current medications and emerging therapies work to slow progression, reduce proteinuria, and protect kidney function.
Discover how patient education empowers individuals with rare diseases to better understand their diagnosis, make informed decisions, and actively participate in their treatment plans. Learn why clear, compassionate communication is key to improving outcomes in rare disease care.
A heartfelt mother’s account on five years of navigating pediatric specialist waiting rooms with her medically complex child.
A powerful personal journey through Koolen-de Vries syndrome, ADHD, and neurodivergent parenting. Discover how one mother turned diagnosis into empowerment, embracing difference, healing guilt, and raising resilient, remarkable children in a world that doesn’t always understand.
Toni Roberts lives with Epidermolysis Bullosa, a rare genetic disorder that causes the skin to be extremely fragile and prone to blistering and tearing. Toni’s condition profoundly impacted her older sister, Cady Ward. Witnessing Toni’s daily struggles and challenges, Cady was inspired to become an advocate for rare disease and take on an extraordinary challenge—run an ultra-marathon.
Dr. David Fajgenbaum was in his third year of medical school when a rare and mysterious illness derailed his plans. Crushing fatigue, abdominal pain, and multiple swollen lymph nodes progressed rapidly, and he found himself in the ICU with multiple system organ failure. Recovering from the brink of death, he was diagnosed with Castleman disease (CD), a rare condition that at the time was thought to be a lymph node disease with similarities to cancer.
Learn about Dr. Rohit Aggarwal’s efforts in creating more centers of excellence for myositis, as well as educating, empowering, and connecting patients to clinical trials.
Recognizing the need for an effective way to treat becker muscular dystrophy, researchers have been studying the cause of muscle loss, and ways to stop it from happening.
After his diagnosis of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2B at age 21, Chris initially opted for a safe career path, choosing jobs with steady income, benefits, and predictability. However, this decision made him feel like something was missing. Find out how Chris was finally able to follow his heart, finding purpose and contentment in becoming a writer.
Learn more about CureGRIN, founded in 2018 by parents of children diagnosed with GRIN Disorder to help find cures and therapies for people around the world suffering from these conditions.
Learn about the incredible story of Edward Gent, a Sports Nutritionist diagnosed with MMN, who decided to create an app to help others worldwide with their disease and symptom management.
Find out about 7 research areas identified as priorities in Sickle Cell Research and about a sickle cell disease drug, which was originally approved for treatment, that has been taken off the market.
It’s no secret that it is difficult to get to a pain medicine specialist. There are just so many people in pain who cannot find relief, and are looking for help. Learn about Bliss Health, which provides access to pain management services through virtual consultations, through a dedicated team of medical professionals who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of various types of chronic and acute pain conditions.
There are over 50 million people in the United States that live with chronic pain. However, researchers studying pain have learned something important: perception of pain is personal, and may have more to do with other factors than just the physical cause of the pain.
If you are coming across high copays and struggling to afford your treatment plan, here are a few options that may help you reduce the costs of your medications.
At age 15, Becca Salky became her own medical detective, playing a key role in uncovering her diagnosis. Now, as a Clinical Research Coordinator at Massachusetts General Hospital, she focuses on spreading awareness about MOG, finding better diagnostic tools, leading clinical trials, and fighting gender disparity.
On the “Rare Insights” podcast we bridge the gap between those living with rare diseases and the biopharmaceutical industry.
Why Men’s Health Week (June 10-16) matters for the Rare Community, and how you can take part.
June is Pride Month, and at Know Rare, we are committed to celebrating the rich diversity within the rare disease community.
Journalist Lindsay Guentzel describes navigating a diagnostic odyssey and how she manages day-to-day life with myositis in an impactful webinar.
When you live with a rare disease, the joyful experiences risks can bring are all the more valuable.
This summer, NMOSD and MOGAD patients, caregivers, clinicians, nurses, researchers, and advocates are invited to join The Sumaira Foundation at Emory for TSF's Atlanta Patient Day.
Know Rare writer Gina DeMillo Wagner’s new memoir, Forces of Nature explores powerful themes related to caregiving and rare disease.
Journalist Lindsay Guentzel offers an inside look at life with the rare muscular condition.
This May, Know Rare is shining a light on myositis, a group of rare autoimmune muscle diseases that can have profound effects on daily life. This is an important time for the myositis community and the rare disease community at large: a time to share stories from those living with the condition, share more information about the current state and future of the disease, and advocate for better treatments that will ultimately enhance the quality of life for those impacted by it. Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or advocate, join us in raising awareness and supporting those affected by myositis.
Author Chris Anselmo explains why being mindful of your pace can have major benefits for your health and well-being, and offers some tips to help.