My name is Seth Cruz and I am a 22 year old young man with mitochondrial disease. I have had mito all my life and was diagnosed when I was 7 years old. I have had seizures, developmental disabilities, tummy troubles, depression and anxiety, muscle weakness and fatigue.
Having mito makes life difficult. I have hopes for the future and try to focus on the things I love to do. I love animals and learning about them, reading, writing song lyrics, drawing and seeing friends. I live at home with my parents and younger brother. 
I volunteer at PAWS (an animal shelter) where I help keep the staff and public areas clean. The staff is so nice to me and I especially enjoy visiting with the employees’ dogs that they bring to work with them. I compete in Special Olympics in bowling and softball. I have been in Special Olympics for fourteen years now and have many gold, silver and bronze medals. I am actively involved in a special needs Young Life group which is fun and crazy!
Thanks for supporting the Guild and efforts to improve the lives of patients with mitochondrial disease.