IL SR1452

Designates the 3rd week of September 2014 as Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week in Illinois.

Recognizes that a child is born every 30 minutes who will develop mitochondrial disease by age 10, with no known cure.

Describes mitochondrial disease as a progressive, often terminal condition affecting the brain, heart, liver, muscles, kidneys, and respiratory systems, causing symptoms including muscle weakness, seizures, cardiac disease, and hearing loss.

Notes that mitochondrial disease is often misdiagnosed and treatment is available at only a few hospitals worldwide, requiring affected families to relocate or travel frequently for care.

Directs that copies of the resolution be presented to the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation (UMDF) and the Chicago Area Chapter of the UMDF.