Bloody Long Walk marks 100th event raising $28M for mitochondrial disease
The Bloody Long Walk raises vital funds and awareness for mitochondrial disease, a rare genetic disorder affecting how cells make energy.
The Bloody Long Walk is an annual 35-kilometre fundraising challenge for the Mito Foundation, marking the 100th national event on September 13. Since 2013, the walk has raised more than $28 million and had about 156,000 people join.
For Perth mother Preeti Raghwani, every step honors her daughter Ziya's memory. Ziya died in September 2019 at just 20 months old from a rare form of mitochondrial disease.
She suffered a severe seizure at just two months old. Her condition got worse until diagnosis showed the genetic disorder.
Ms Raghwani and her family keep supporting the foundation to help others with the disease. Almost 60 people walked in 2019, just days before Ziya died.
The Mito Foundation describes mitochondrial disease as a group of rare genetic disorders. These can stop the body's cells from making enough energy to work right.
- 35 kilometres
- Annual walk distance
- More than 28 million dollars
- Total raised since 2013
- About 156,000 people
- Total participants since 2013
- KARS gene mutation
- Genetic cause of Ziya's disease
Why it mattersThe walk connects grieving families with research and support for a rare disease that affects thousands of Australians. Funds raised help patients and families handle a complex disorder.
AustraliaPerth and Australian communities fundraise for a rare genetic condition affecting mainly children and young adults. The event has become one of the foundation's largest annual campaigns.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 12 d ago
