Fiona and Aidan Elmer.
Camera IconFiona and Aidan Elmer. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Dream To Be: mum organises superhero fundraiser for Australian Mitochondrial Disease Foundation

Kristie LimEastern Reporter

A MOTHER has drawn inspiration from her son who suffers from mitochondrial disease to organise a superhero fundraising event in Noranda.

Fiona Elmar and co-organiser Tamara Robins will raise money for the Australian Mitochondrial Disease Foundation (AMDF) to facilitate research into diagnosis, treatments and a cure for the disease.

Mitochondrial disease is a disorder that can cause organ dysfunction and failure, developmental delays, and hearing and vision problems.

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Ms Elmar said the event, Dream to Be, will feature a superhero-themed photo shoot for kids.

“The idea around it was I wanted to have a really positive event where children of all abilities could participate in,” she said.

“A lot of kids and adults who are affected by mitochondrial disease don’t have a lot of energy when doing walks.

“It was something that we were quite passionate about…we think that our kids are our superheroes.”

Ms Elmar said her son Aidan (4) was doing well considering the early symptoms he showed at a young age.

“He can walk but for longer distances such as going in and out of kindergarten, he requires a walking frame,” she said,

“His development is delayed so sometimes it can be a bit of a challenge but he talks a bit about Iron Man and he loves Thomas the Tank Engine.”

Ms Elmar said the disease affected the quality and length of life.

“Any funding and even just raising awareness because it is such a little-known disease would go an awful long way to improve the quality of life of these kids and adult sufferers as well,” she said.

The Dream to Be event will be held at Hawaiian’s Noranda on April 20.

Register at dream2be4mito.com.