1 In Every 4,000 Individuals

has a mitochondrial disorder

Every 30 Minutes

a child is born who will develop a mitochondrial disease by age 10

Over 50 Million People Worldwide

are affected by neurodegenerative diseases

Countdown For A Cure Foundation

Our Vision:

Countdown For A Cure envisions a future where mitochondrial science and medicine
revolutionize healthcare: extending healthspan, transforming lives, and bringing
energy-based healing to the forefront of medicine.

Our Mission:

Countdown For A Cure accelerates groundbreaking mitochondrial research to develop next-generation solutions for preventing, diagnosing, treating, and ultimately curing diseases rooted in cellular energy dysfunction. Mitochondrial dysfunction affects nearly every area of medicine, including the brain, heart, muscles, and metabolism, yet remains one of the most overlooked drivers of disease. By advancing mitochondrial science and medicine, bridging clinical care, and raising global awareness, we aim to shift the medical paradigm and transform how the world understands and addresses disease.

“We shouldn’t just be fixing disease; we should be funding the future of health and healing.”

Mitzi Solomon

Founder and President, Countdown For A Cure

How Common is Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Extremely common. Research shows that mitochondrial dysfunction is a central element of many common disease and conditions. If you have seen a person with any of these diseases and conditions below, you have encountered mitochondrial dysfunction.

Save the Date

Evening of Energy 2026

Saturday, February 7th, 2026 at The St. Regis Atlanta

Join us for our 3rd annual black-tie gala benefiting mitochondrial research. The evening will feature a cocktail reception, silent and live auctions, an inspiring program, a seated dinner, and a lively afterparty.

“Each and every one of us is going to suffer from a mitochondrial disease, and all age-related disorders are known to involve mitochondrial dysfunction. This means that any cure developed for mitochondrial diseases could potentially serve the entire world population by protecting, preventing, or reversing age-related disorders.”

Natalie Yivgi Ohana, PhD

Co-Founder and CEO of Minovia Therapeutics

“Our Mitochondria are the most fundamental aspect of being alive, are the key to aging and the root of many diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Cardiovascular disease and many others.”

Douglas C. Wallace, PhD

Director of the Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

We All Have Mitochondria.

Mitochondria exist in nearly every cell of the human body. It’s responsible for creating 90% of the energy you need to sustain life and support organ function. The quality of mitochondrial function is crucial in nearly every aspect of human life.

Why Mitochondria Matter!

As scientists have learned more about the mitochondria’s role in health and disease, they have concluded that mitochondrial dysfunction is at the root of diseases and conditions that affect the young and the old, in ways that can range from subtle to devastating, and is even responsible for the aging process itself. The list of known diseases and conditions with a mitochondrial dysfunction component is long and growing longer. In fact, research suggests that mitochondrial function may be the unifying theme- the cornestone of medicine, perhaps – of understanding a spectrum of diseases, conditions, and why we grow old.

The Countdown is On!

Igniting Hope, Fueling Progress, Transforming Lives

Connect with Us

Have questions? Want to get involved with Countdown For A Cure? We’d love to hear from you!