Run by a non-profit, grass roots group of scientists and reaching 400 cities in over 25 countries, Pint of Science is an annual celebration of science designed to bring research out of the labs and into informal venues such as pubs, cafes and community spaces.
The Darlington event took place at the Forum Music Centre, a venue more used to hosting live music, theatre and comedy than scientific lectures. But what a great chance for Maria to spread the word to a new audience about our work in the field of mitochondrial disease research.
The evening’s presentations were themed around ‘Brain Matters’, so Maria began her talk by explaining a little bit about mitochondria and how mitochondrial disease can affect the brain, before focusing specifically on stroke-like episodes as a symptom of mitochondrial disorders. She outlined some of the challenges doctors encounter around both diagnosing and treating mitochondrial disease, with stroke-like episodes often assumed to be, and treated as, strokes.
She then shared the story of mitochondrial disease patient Robbie, who aged 41 experienced what looked like a stroke, suffering partial loss of vision and hearing, dizziness and slurred speech. Four months later, blood tests, CT and MRI scans confirmed Robbie had been suffering from mitochondrial disease all his life.
Robbie’s experience highlights why it’s essential that we raise awareness of this inherited condition in order to increase diagnosis rates, improve clinical care and advance the chances of discovering effective treatments.
At the end of her presentation, Maria received a standing ovation from the audience, with one attendee even telling her afterwards that they’d love to run a marathon for us. What a great way to spread the word about mitochondrial disease and introduce the charity to a group of new supporters.
Cheers to a successful evening all round!