Chuckster's Mitochondrial Fundraiser

9/20/2012 (Updated 10:42:38 PM)

VESTAL -- Every 30 minutes a child is born who will develop a mitochondrial disease by age 10.  It's a disease that can affect any organ of the body and reduces the ability to produce energy, causing fatigue. It's a disease that currently has no cure.

Tonight at Chucksters in Vestal, it was "Mitochondrial Night."  Members of the community were invited to play mini-golf and take part in other activities such as bungee jumping and the batting cages.

Debra Brunette, who has two children with the disease, says that not many people are aware of it. She also says that not only does it change the lives of those with it, but of their families as well.

"It is very hard. You're not sure what each day's going to bring. Everyday you could have a good day, you could have a bad day, days just change so you have to go with the flow. It requires a lot of doctors visits outside of the state out of town," said Brunette.

All proceeds from the night go to The United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation which helps research a cure.