1. WHAT is a "mitochondrial disease"?

According to an article on PubMed.gov – “Mitochondrial diseases are a group of genetic disorders that are characterized by defects in oxidative phosphorylation and caused by mutations in genes in the nuclear DNA (nDNA) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) that encode structural mitochondrial proteins or proteins involved in mitochondrial function.”

Simply put, the component of each human cell responsible for producing the energy needed for our bodies to function does not work well. Some energy (ATP) is produced, but it is not at the same level as those without mitochondrial disease. The reduced energy production puts a strain on the body and leads to fatigue. Fatigue is not simply the feeling you get when you go to bed too late after binge-watching the newest Netflix series, but rather "an overwhelming sense of tiredness, lack of energy, or feeling of exhaustion" (NIH, Neuromuscular Disorders, 2012 Dec 1, PMID 23182644).

To combat this feeling, it is common for people with mitochondrial disease to reduce their physical activity to conserve energy. However, this is not the only option for dealing with fatigue. Numerous studies have shown that exercise (aerobic and resistance) generally can increase the volume and number of mitochondria in the cells, thereby improving overall energy production and reducing the level of fatigue.

2. WHO do we serve?

We serve anyone with mitochondrial disease/dysfunction, including those with:

3. WHY is a place like this important?

A place like this is important because it allows individuals with disabilities to effectively exercise in a barrier-free environment. For those of us who are wheelchair-bound and can’t stand, transferring to standard exercise equipment in a regular gym can be extremely hard, or impossible, to do safely.

4. WHEN will these facilities be available?

We have less than 10% needed to open our first facility.

We project 6-12 months after being fully funded.

To help expedite this, please consider donating by clicking the “Donate” button above. Donations can also be made through Zelle by sending to – cjnfoundation22@gmail.com

5. WHERE will you be located?

We plan on being located nationwide, carefully selecting places of most demand and convenience. We envision being in the vicinity of hospitals and universities that specialize in the research and treatment of various mitochondrial disorders. These facilities include:

6. HOW (Hahaha, I know it's not a "W" word) does regular exercise help those with mitochondrial disorder?

Since energy (ATP) is produced in the mitochondria, ATP production can be improved by increasing the mitochondrial content of a cell (mitochondrial biogenesis) or by improving the redox reactions involved in its cellular respiration. It has been long established that aerobic endurance exercise, such as biking and walking, leads to mitochondrial biogenesis. With regards to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and strength/resistance training (RT), researchers found that those engaging in HIIT had significant improvement in the functioning of ribosomes, the organelle responsible for producing the cells’ building blocks of proteins. This led to a robust increase in mitochondrial protein synthesis and enhanced mitochondrial function. In addition, researchers discovered that chronic resistance exercise training significantly increased both mitochondrial respiratory capacity and ATP-producing capacity of skeletal muscle.