For Susan Schreer Davis, the year 2009 brought her to one of the lowest points in her journey with mitochondrial disease. Davis, who lives in Kennesaw, GA, remembers the time as incredibly intense. Still in the grieving process over the loss of her first husband to a brain tumor, Susan struggled with constant fatigue and leg weakness. Added to that, she was confronted with an emergency back surgery, after learning her 16 year old son had a confirmed diagnosis of mitochondrial disease. While it was a low point for Susan, it was also very important to her to stay in touch with her community of support.

When the Foundation for Mitochondrial Medicine combined with UMDF in January, Susan knew the positivity of staying involved and immediately agreed to continue her good work with UMDF. She quickly became a UMDF Support Ambassador, helping patients and families navigate their own mito journey.   For Susan, it is a fresh beginning. 

“As an ambassador for the UMDF, I hope to give back what brought me back to life, understanding, empathy, encouragement and hope.”