Plum Family to Host Fundraisers for Mitochondrial Foundation

The of Plum has organized two fundraisers to benefit the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation of Plum.

Michael and Kimberly Dojonovic have been very active with the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation—their daughter Mary Kendyl has mitochondrial dysfunction that affects her muscles and causes her to fatigue more easily than most children her age. She has respiratory issues, including aspiration and swallowing problems, and her speech and fine motor skills are also affected.

The family will participate in , which will be held on June 2 at the North Shore near Heinz Field. They will be raising money for Mary Kendyl's team, Dyna-Mito. All proceeds will benefit UMDF.

The UMDF is a national organization headquartered in Plum. The mission of the organization is to promote research and education for the diagnosis, treatment and cure of mitochondrial disorders and to provide support to affected individuals and families.

According to the foundation, mitochondrial diseases occur when the mitochondria in a person’s cells cannot convert food into life-sustaining energy. There is no cure for mitochondrial disease.

Here's a roundup of upcoming events:

Mary Kendyl’s Dyna-Mito’s RSVP Dance Party—This event will be held, Sunday, April 1, at RSVP Party Place, 100 Boyce Park Drive, Suite C, in Plum.  

This fundraiser is for kids to come out to the RSVP Party Place for an hour and a half. The cost is $5 per and includes snack/drink. There will be 2 time slots—one from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and another from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. The activity is for children ages 5 and older. To reserve tickets, email kpdojonovic@hotmail.com .

Monte Carlo Night Fundraiser—Saturday, April 21, from 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., at Plum Masonic Hall, 9521 Saltsburg Road, in Plum.

A $20 per person donation includes food, drinks, starter chips and entry into door prize. There will be blackjack, roulette, poker and money wheels to play as well. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time by sending check/money order to Sue Dojonovic at 219 Fiesta Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15239. Tickets will be mailed to you or waiting at the door. Tickets also will be available for purchase the night of the event. Must be 21 years old to attend.

_______________________

Plum-Oakmont Patch is on Facebook and on Twitter. Don't forget to sign up for our daily email newsletter by clicking here.