Dunedin Mito Warrior Leo.

On Thursday 29th October Leo Leask Roberts passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with mitochondrial disease. This page has been developed to assist other children and their families who are currently fighting a challenging health battle.

Leo has taught us all how to be courageous, resilient and brave and to appreciate the smallest things in life. He wants us all to remember that it’s essential to have a positive attitude, fight and determination in life.

Leo was diagnosed with mitochondrial (mito)disease and his short time here has been full of challenges. Leo had a rare form of mito called Megdal syndrome. There is very little information about Megdal so we talk about Mito disease. Mito is a disease which affects the power/energy source of our bodies and it is Debilitating and reduces the ability of the mitochondria to produce energy. When the mitochondria are not working properly, cells begin to die until eventually the whole organ systems fails and the patients life itself is compromised. We do not have a mitochondrial foundation in NZ but for more information please look at www.mito.org.au