He was diagnosed with mitochondrial disease in 2010. James loves the winter months because that's when he feels best. James loves baseball and watching 'Duck Dynasty' with his siblings.

Janis Kohlmeyer, 12, has struggled with Mito since birth. She has Oxidative Phosphorylation Defect of the Complex I and 1p36 Deletion Syndrome, two very long names for one little girl. While she lacks energy, uses a g-tube and has developmental delays, Janis is a happy home school learner and enjoys camp and making friends with other kids who understand her.

Mitochondrial disease is an inherited chronic illness that causes debilitating physical, developmental and mental disabilities. You can be born with it or it can develop later in life. It's progressive and there is no cure. About 1 in 2,000 people has Mito. Symptoms include poor growth, loss of muscle coordination, muscle weakness and pain, seizures, vision and/or hearing loss, gastrointestinal issues, learning disabilities and heart, liver or kidney failure. Mito is also related to autism, diabetes, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Proceeds from the event benefit MitoAction, a 501(c)(3) charity that helps families navigate the difficult Mito journey through its comprehensive website, free teleconferences and support groups, individualized advocacy for school services, camp programs, awareness events and so much more. Its mission is to improve quality of life for all affected by mitochondrial disease through free programs and resources centered on support, education, advocacy and research. Learn more at www.MitoAction.org.

For more information, email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or call (888) 648-6228.