The Race for Ellie Foundation

The Race for Ellie Foundation was started in 2008. Funds from the Race for Ellie will be used directly in partnership with The Ohio State University for research toward a cure for Mitochondrial Disease (mito). Ellie, and other mito sufferers, will be participating in this research. We are extremely excited as this is the first real opportunity toward a cure. The research, although not without risk, is filled with hope for Ellie and all suffering from Mitochondrial Disease.

The Race for Ellie Foundation is a Non-Profit Corporation in the State of Ohio. Our EIN/tax identification number is 26-4780870.

About Ellie

Ellie Kovalcik is a bright, 9-year old girl who loves her family, many friends and just being a kid. Diagnosed with mito at age two, Ellie has suffered through many medical challenges to the point where she is unable to eat, breathe, walk or talk on her own. Mitochondrial Disease has essentially affected her ability to have a normal childhood, and have a normal life expectancy. Our mission to find a cure is a race against time...a race where Ellie, and all mito sufferers, would be the real winner.

About Mito

Mitochondrial Disease (mito) is a chronic, genetic disorder that occurs when the mitochondria fails to produce enough energy for cell or organ function. Mitochondria are known as the "powerhouse of the cell"; they create more than 90% of cellular energy and are necessary to sustain life and support growth. There are many forms of mito and the disease presents very differently from individual to individual, thus making it difficult to diagnose. The incidence is about 1:2000 births in the United States. Symptoms include poor growth, loss of muscle coordination and muscle weakness, neurological problems, developmental delays, gastrointestinal disorders, autonomic dysfunction and many more. Please visit www.MitoAction.org for more information.

Update on Mitochondrial Disease Study at The Ohio State University Medical Center, Institute for Mitochondrial Biology

March 2011

During the past year, we have completed a number of our major goals. One of the most significant was the successful loading of macromolecules, such as modified DNA, into the mitochondria of living cells without causing cell death. This was achieved in the fall of 2010.

The loading of mitochondria in cells to date was demonstrated using cancerous cell lines. Accordingly, and shortly thereafter, we requested permission from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at The Ohio State University to attempt replication of our findings in normal human cells, and in cells arising from individuals who are afflicted with mitochondrial disease. The IRB granted our request on December 17, 2010!! We have since been growing cells taken from three human subjects and expect to start the trial with those cells in April/May of 2011. Our ultimate goal is to place fully functional DNA into mitochondria throughout the body of affected individuals. If that works successfully we would hope to see increased production of energy and less stress on the metabolic system of people afflicted with this terrible disease.

Proceeds raised from the Race for Ellie are funding this AMAZING and GROUNDBREAKING research! Please help us support this cause by participating in or donating to the Race for Ellie.


Home Race for Ellie Foundation Event Information Sponsors 2011 Overall Results 2011 Age Group Results Pledge Sheet Directions Ellie's Story Register Donate Teams Send to a Friend Contact Us	The Race for Ellie Foundation The Race for Ellie Foundation was started in 2008. Funds from the Race for Ellie will be used directly in partnership with The Ohio State University for research toward a cure for Mitochondrial Disease (mito). Ellie, and other mito sufferers, will be participating in this research. We are extremely excited as this is the first real opportunity toward a cure. The research, although not without risk, is filled with hope for Ellie and all suffering from Mitochondrial Disease. The Race for Ellie Foundation is a Non-Profit Corporation in the State of Ohio. Our EIN/tax identification number is 26-4780870. About Ellie Ellie Kovalcik is a bright, 9-year old girl who loves her family, many friends and just being a kid. Diagnosed with mito at age two, Ellie has suffered through many medical challenges to the point where she is unable to eat, breathe, walk or talk on her own. Mitochondrial Disease has essentially affected her ability to have a normal childhood, and have a normal life expectancy. Our mission to find a cure is a race against time...a race where Ellie, and all mito sufferers, would be the real winner. About Mito Mitochondrial Disease (mito) is a chronic, genetic disorder that occurs when the mitochondria fails to produce enough energy for cell or organ function. Mitochondria are known as the "powerhouse of the cell"; they create more than 90% of cellular energy and are necessary to sustain life and support growth. There are many forms of mito and the disease presents very differently from individual to individual, thus making it difficult to diagnose. The incidence is about 1:2000 births in the United States. Symptoms include poor growth, loss of muscle coordination and muscle weakness, neurological problems, developmental delays, gastrointestinal disorders, autonomic dysfunction and many more. Please visit www.MitoAction.org for more information. Update on Mitochondrial Disease Study at The Ohio State University Medical Center, Institute for Mitochondrial Biology March 2011 During the past year, we have completed a number of our major goals. One of the most significant was the successful loading of macromolecules, such as modified DNA, into the mitochondria of living cells without causing cell death. This was achieved in the fall of 2010. The loading of mitochondria in cells to date was demonstrated using cancerous cell lines. Accordingly, and shortly thereafter, we requested permission from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at The Ohio State University to attempt replication of our findings in normal human cells, and in cells arising from individuals who are afflicted with mitochondrial disease. The IRB granted our request on December 17, 2010!! We have since been growing cells taken from three human subjects and expect to start the trial with those cells in April/May of 2011. Our ultimate goal is to place fully functional DNA into mitochondria throughout the body of affected individuals. If that works successfully we would hope to see increased production of energy and less stress on the metabolic system of people afflicted with this terrible disease. Proceeds raised from the Race for Ellie are funding this AMAZING and GROUNDBREAKING research! Please help us support this cause by participating in or donating to the Race for Ellie.