“Mitochondrial disease” were words that brought panic to the faces of Jody and Gary Thompson (d. 2017) at the end of 2000 as their daughter was diagnosed at nine months. The doctor said, “Take her home and love her; she will most likely not see her first birthday.” After the diagnosis, Jody contacted the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation to begin a relationship that has now stemmed 25 of the 30 years they have been in business.
Upon meeting the founder, Charles Mohan, Jody walked up to him, stuck out her hand, embraced him and said, “I am Jody Thompson from Ohio and I am ready for battle. Let’s go!” The family did all kinds of fundraising, advocacy and raising the roof on awareness, and the staple for years was “Bet on Baylee,” in which over $100,000 was raised for the UMDF.
Mitochondrial disease stems from the mitochondria failing to make enough energy in the body. It can affect any organ, at any age, at any time, and creates a multitude of different symptoms such as muscle weakness, seizures, strokes, developmental delay, poor digestion, heart problems, vision problems and fatigue.
The disease is caused by mutations in the DNA, either in the mitochondria themselves (mother) or in the cell nucleus (mother or father). Thedetermination can be passed down from parents, or the mutation can happen randomly for the first time.
As of now there is no known cure for mitochondrial disease. But compared to where we were in 2000 — the disease not even recognized by the Centers for Disease Control — we now have two active medications for two different subtypes of mitochondrial disease. These recent approvals in 2025 marked a major regulatory shift. Although they apply to specific rare conditions rather than being a broad cure for mitochondrial disease, it’s still a huge step forward.
Baylee, now 26, lives with her mother Jody Thompson, dog Nikki and sister Jade in New Lexington. She handles her disease with resilience and a drive that her momma calls “Beasr Mode.” Her history of seizures has been discouraging at times, but she continues to move forward with a clap and her infectious laugh.
Baylee graduated from Crooksville High School in 2019, and attends Rendville Art Works and the Gathering Place of Licking County adult day centers. She loves the Ohio State band, went to the Shoe for the first game, and Elvis gets that wheelchair rocking.
Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week is recognized the third full week of September, and different landmarks around the world GO GREEN to show solidarity in the FIGHT AGAINST MITO!
Perry County, with the help of commissioners Ben Carpenter and Scott Owen (Chase Bennett was out of the office), put forth a resolution for the Perry County Courthouse to go green for the first time, the week of Sept. 14-20.
Submitted by Jody Thompson