Plum Woman Launches Mito Support Group and Organizes Fundraiser

Kimberly and Michael Dojonovic of Plum are reaching out to others affected by mitochondrial disease.

Their 5-year-old 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.

After her daughter's diagnosis, Kimberly started a United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation Support Group for for families in the area that are affected by the disease.

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.

Kim's group offers a place where those affected can connect and provide support to one another. 

A Sept. 24 outing at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium also has been planned.

The group also will have a fundraiser with various vendors, such as BeautiControl, Discovery Toys, Miche Bags, Pampered Chef, Sabika Jewelry, Sticky Couture, Tastefully Simple and Usborne Books for the UMDF on Sunday, Oct. 16, from noon to 7 p.m. at the Masonic Hall on Saltsburg Road in Plum.

Vendors will need to pay $40 for a table and will be asked to donate 10 percent of their commission to UMDF. Money raised will be used to fund research for a cure for mitochondrial disease.

For more information about the support group or the fundraiser, contact Kimberly via e-mail at kpdojonovic@hotmail.com or by telephone at 724-325-2102.

For more information about UMDF, see www.umdf.org.