Joel Hood raises $80k for Mito Foundation after daughter diagnosed
This weekend a McCrae family will attempt to walk more than 47,000 steps in a single day. The massive effort is expected to take more than seven hours to complete. Here’s why they’re doing it.
South East
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Maeve Hood, 3, can say only one word but that hasn’t stopped the little girl from raising awareness about a rare condition.
“She holds out her arms for a hug from everyone she meets and looks deep into their eyes,” said dad Joel Hood.
“Anyone who has met her is touched. She really is making a difference and will probably achieve more in her short life than most of us can dream of.”
The McCrae youngster has Leigh Syndrome — a form of Mitochondrial Disease.
She is one of the faces of this year’s Bloody Long Walk, a national fundraiser for the Mito Foundation.
Mr Hood said his youngest daughter’s severe neurological disorder was officially diagnosed about 18 months ago after Maeve started showing symptoms at six-months-old.
He said Maeve’s life expectancy was from three to eight years.
“I don’t think about the numbers,” he said.
“Our focus is on being positive; living in the moment and creating as many memories with our family as we can.”
For the past two years year Joel and wife Sarah have taken part in the Bloody Long Walk.
The fundraiser involves walking 35km from Yarra Bend Park to St Kilda Sea Baths — nearly 47,000 steps in a single day.
“It is a long way and you do feel it towards the end,” Mr Hood said.
“But, it shows you parts of Melbourne you might not otherwise see or take the time to appreciate.
“And you share stories with other walkers. It does make you feel supported.”
Through a network of friends and family the Hoods have raised about $80,000 for the Mito Foundation.
The most recent Bloody Long Walk was held on Sunday, August 25 but donations are still being accepted.
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Mito Foundation chief executive Sean Murray said the event was part of a nationwide initiative which supports families touched by mitochondrial disease.
“Mito is a debilitating, potentially fatal genetic disorder that robs the body’s cells of the energy they need to function properly,” Mr Murray said.
“All money raised this weekend will help the Foundation support Australian families whose lives have been devastated by Mito and will go towards funding vital research and education.”
You can support Joel Hood and Team Maeve here — event.bloodylongwalk.com.au/fundraisers/joelhood/melbourne