The FOOT Foundation (Florida O&P Outreach Team), a nonprofit founded by Dino Scanio, CO, and Lisa Scanio, participated in the Light Up for Mito global initiative for Global Mitochondrial Awareness Week in Tampa, Florida. In 2012, the Scanios’ son was diagnosed with progressive mitochondrial disease, where the body’s mitochondria fail to produce enough energy for the body to function. In most pediatric cases, the disease is fatal and there is no cure. As a result, they have dedicated a branch of the FOOT foundation to raising awareness for mitochondrial disease.
“I’m happy to collaborate with the FOOT Foundation to bring awareness to this devastating disease,” said Tampa Councilman Guido Maniscalco. “I hope that more people will do their part to educate others about mitochondrial disease. City hall, the fountains, and bridges in the downtown area are going to be lit green on Sunday, September 13th from dusk till dawn to show our support and stand in solidarity with the FOOT Foundation and everyone that has been affected by this.”
