Kids Like Connor

About Connor

Connor was born with Pearson Syndrome, a type of mitochondrial disease, or "Mito." Mitochondria are tiny parts of every cell in your body that generate over 90% of your energy. Since Connor's mitochondria didn't make enough energy, it caused significant problems throughout his body.

Most children with Pearson Syndrome do not live past the age of three. Connor sadly passed away on August 3, 2019 at the age of eleven. We are happy to say we treasured each and every day we had with him and have so many wonderful and fun memories.

The impact this terrible disease had on Connor included vision and hearing loss, kidney failure, uncontrolled diabetes, learning and memory problems and a weak immune system. His heart, liver, pancreas, gut, and muscles were also affected. He was fed through a tube and required a wheelchair.

But that didn't stop Connor from living life to the fullest. He was a happy, bubbly boy that was just full of joy. We are lucky his joyful nature transcended his illness. Connor was always upbeat and cheerful. He made us laugh every day.

Unfortunately, Pearson Syndrome and Mitochondrial Disease currently have no cure. This debilitating and progressive disease has an enormous effect on the entire family. Knowing that there are many families like ours, we started our Kids Like Connor campaign.

Kids Like Connor

The idea for Kids Like Connor was conceived when Connor’s older brother, Ian, was talking with their mother about what Pearson Syndrome and Mito are, and what we could do to help other children and families like us.

Few people know about Mito. There are few treatments and no cure. Research is needed to find ways to more effectively treat kids like Connor, so they can live fuller, better lives. A cure is needed to give these children a brighter future. Until then, we also want to help these kids and other children fighting life-threatening illnesses live the fullest lives they can.

Our mission is to raise awareness about and research funding for Pearson Syndrome and other devastating mitochondrial diseases, while supporting organizations that help improve the lives of children with life-threatening illnesses.

One day, a cure will be found. On that day, people with Mito and other kids like Connor can look forward to a future free of this devastating disease.