Jody and her mom, Sandy with Baylee. Jade is top right.
As we close the month of May, we recognize all the mito moms who love harder, hug tighter, fight louder, remember forever, and hold every special moment closer to their hearts. Jody Thompson of Crooksville, Ohio, is a mito mom to Baylee, 21. Jody is a UMDF Support Ambassador and, since 2001, she has worked tirelessly on behalf of patient families by raising awareness and by holding her long running fundraiser, ‘Bet on Baylee’. Baylee was nine months old when the Thompsons learned Baylee had mitochondrial disease. “It was a disease we couldn’t even pronounce or have a clue as to what it was,” Jody remembered. The Thompsons understood the prognosis for Baylee. Like many patients, Baylee underwent years of therapy, setbacks and surgeries.
Jody is also very proud of her daughter, Jade, 23, who finished her college education at Ohio University in three and a half years. “Jade was our first joy and has never shown any bitterness at all toward the constant care of her sister,” Jody said. “She has been the epitome of what a big sis is.” Jody’s mother, Sandy, is the glue that holds them together. “We are the four amigos,” she said. “My momma has, is and will always be MY ROCK! She has been there for EVERY endeavor.” Jody Thompson can point to many accomplishments in her life and is grateful for many family milestones. Despite all of it, she is most proud of Jade and Baylee.