Living, Encouraging, Achieving & Persisting

Purpose: To recongnize an individual living positively with mitochondrial disease, highlighting the person's accomplishments and volunteer service.

Eligibility: Age 14 years or older.

Criteria: Individual with confirmed or suspected mitochondrial disease who overcomes daily challenges to achieve goals in career, family, and volunteer serivce. The individual demonstrates a positive attitude, hope for a brighter future, and an enthusiasm that inspires others.

Nominations are open for the 2009 LEAP Award. Click here to download the nomination form or click here to submit an online form.

Past LEAP Award Recipients

2008 Recipient
This year we are recognizing Therese Garvin, Delaware Valley Chapter President and mother of three. Therese was diagnosed with mitochondrial disease in 2001 after five years of symptoms that included seizures, fainting spells, digestive problems, night sweats, stroke-like episodes, fatigue and weakness that necessitated the use of a walker and wheelchair. Although Therese continues to struggle with many of these issues since her diagnosis and treatment, she is now able to walk without assistance.

Volunteering seems to have been a way of life for Therese. She has worked with local theater groups and other civic organizations for many years. Fortunately for the UMDF, two years ago Therese decided to focus her efforts on behalf of the UMDF. As chapter president, Therese’s positive attitude and uplifting spirit have helped the Delaware Valley Chapter achieve a new level of member participation. Working with a strong chapter board, Therese’s leadership has resulted in regular opportunities for support, new fundraising events, increased sharing of information and a bright outlook for the future.

Sarah Slack, a member of the Delaware Valley Chapter Board recently said “Therese is a great candidate for this award; she is living proof that we can do anything we put our minds to.” We couldn’t agree more!

2007 Recipient

This year’s recipient is Jamieson Smith, a sophomore at Shawnee High School in Medford, New Jersey. Jamie was diagnosed with a mitochondrial disease in 1999 and has had many health struggles since his diagnosis, but each time he overcomes them with a positive attitude and a unique energy for life.

Despite being hospitalized every 21 days for IVIG, Jamie is living life to the fullest. He is involved in the UMDF not only as a Youth Ambassador, but also as a member of the Delaware Valley Chapter board. He recently testified in support of the New Jersey Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week legislation. Jamie is also active in several school and church activities, is an honor student and was February 2007 Student of the Month.

Above all, Jamie cares deeply about finding a cure for mitochondrial disease, not only for himself but for his friends who are also affected.

Jamieson is Living with the disease, Encouraging others to help the UMDF, Achieving by building awareness, and Persisting every day to help others.

2006 Recipient

Pam accepted the responsibility of Kansas City Chapter President in 2005 -- even though her disease symptoms cause her to tire often. She willingly organized and reorganized the chapter to bring back key members to the board and works hard to motivate and support the KC Chapter Board as well as strives to meet the needs of the families that call her.

Pam is a pediatrician but can no longer practice because of her mitochondrial disease. Instead of being discouraged by what she can no longer do, Pam channels her energy and knowledge to help parents and other adults. Her commitment to share information and inform the public about mitochondrial disease is never ending and she always gives 150% -- even when she should be resting!

Pam is Living with the disease, Encouraging others to help the UMDF and each other, Achieving by building the capacity of the Kansas City Chapter, and Persisting every day to help others.