Acton Pharmacy to sponsor mitochondrial-disease support group

Acton Pharmacy said late last week that it is partnering with MitoAction to support people with mitochondrial disease, a broad spectrum of disorders that affect an estimated 80,000 Americans.

Acton Pharmacy will help expand outreach and support to mitochondrial disease patients by sponsoring MitoAction New England, a social and educational support group for patients and families in the area.

Julie Gortze, who serves as a volunteer patient advocate and lives with mitochondrial disease, first established the Mito New England support group.

“As someone dedicated to helping others with mitochondrial disease in New England, I am proud and honored to partner with MitoAction and Acton Pharmacy,” Gortze said. “I’m excited about reaching more people as we expand our programs, events and social activities.”

Acton Pharmacy will be featured at every MitoAction New England meeting and will sponsor an upcoming speaker.

“We look forward to the opportunity to become more involved with patients and families through MitoAction New England,” Saad Dinno, co-owner of Acton Pharmacy, said.

Mitochondrial disease is an inherited chronic illness that can be present at birth or develop later in life. It causes debilitating physical, developmental and cognitive disabilities, with symptoms that include poor growth, loss of muscle coordination, muscle weakness and pain, seizures, vision and/or hearing loss, gastrointestinal issues, learning disabilities, and heart, liver or kidney failure.