Mito steals her energy. Unlike most children, she has learned to make choices on how to spend her energy. She depends on specific medical equipment to lend support where her body is weak: orthodics in her shoes and a "Theratog" around her trunk for added stability, wrist splints when her hands are weak, and a wheelchair when needed to help conserve energy. She takes numerous medications daily, which are increased significantly when she is ill. Faith has had a total of 10 surgeries in her young life for her eyes, ears, and wrists (Carpal tunnel developed in both wrists requiring surgery in 2005). She was hospitalized four times in 2007.  

 

Faith's lungs have been most affected by this disease. She has Reactive Airway Disease (asthma) and Restrictive Airway Disease (her lungs aren't strong enough to take an effective breath.) She has had pneumonia 10 times in her life, her last episode being in June 2008.  Her wonderful pulomologist, Dr. Randall Brown determined that Faith needed The Vest. The Vest is designed to assist children who are unable to effectively cough well enough to move mucus through their lungs and thus avoid pneumonia.

 

In September 2007, Faith began experiencing episodes of extreme dizziness.  After months of these debilitating dizzy spells and many tests (MRIs, CTscans, and EEGs), it was determined that Faith had migraine variants.  Migraines are not uncommon for those suffering with Mitochondrial disease.  Faith was put on a low dose of Topamax (a seizure mediation that helps migraines).  She rarely has a dizzy episode now.

 

We are blessed to have a wonderful supportive family and friends.  We have seen the power of prayer at work in Faith's life and give God all the glory for her precious life!