"PONY UP" at the Liberty Hotel on Kentucky Derby Day for Mitochondrial Disease  

MitoAction announces the first annual Sandra K. Russell Derby Day Benefit for Mito, a Derby Day fundraiser to support those who are battling mitochondrial disease.   The benefit will be held on Saturday May 1st from 4-8 p.m. at Boston's Liberty Hotel.  200 guests will celebrate and watch the Kentucky Derby Race and enjoy delicious food, drinks, music, contests, fabulous auction items, and prizes.  The event is held in memory of  Sandra K. Russell who, at the age of 52 lost a courageous battle with mitochondrial disease.  Sandra's husband Gordon is the owner of Massachusetts boutique stores, "In the Pink" and serves on the Board of Directors for MitoAction.org.  Tickets are available online at MitoAction.org. 

MitoAction's Executive Director Cristy Balcells says, "There are thousands of kids and adults suffering from mitochondrial disease in New England.  MitoAction's mission is to provide outreach, resources and support that immediately and significantly improves the quality of life for these people.  The Derby Day benefit allows us to continue to offer free resources to these families while offering locals a fun and unique way to celebrate Derby Day."

The evening's program includes participation from sponsors including the Boston Bruins Foundation and Cadillac Dealers of New England.   Funds raised will benefit the 80,000 children and adults who count on MitoAction's patient support, education and advocacy initiatives each year.  The evening's festivities will include a ladies Derby hat parade and contest, mint julep cocktails, a silent auction, gourmet food & drink from Boston's fabulous new Liberty Hotel, and Kentucky Derby style games.

Mitochondrial disease is a non-curable neuromuscular disease that causes debilitating pain, fatigue and organ failure because the cells of the body are not effectively able to produce energy.  Mitochondrial disorders affect both children and adults; a diagnosis of 'mito' is catastrophic and often ends in death .  Boston area hospitals  lead the country in both research and clinical care for patients suffering from mito.  The mission of MitoAction is to improve quality of life for all people with mitochondrial disease through education, support and advocacy initiatives. 

To learn more or purchase tickets to the event, visit  www.mitoaction.org/derbyday or call 1-877-239-7939.