Huntington Teen With Mitochondrial Disease Recognized for Tenacious Spirit

The month of September has officially been named Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Month in honor of a Huntington boy with a tenacious spirit, the Suffolk County Legislature announced Wednesday.

Eli Mollineaux, a high school freshman, was born with a rare type of Mitochondrial Disease known as Pearson Marrow-Pancreas Syndrome. Despite his illness, Eli has a reputation in the community for always seeing the good in things.

Huntington High School Principal Brenden Cusack called Eli the “Mayor of Huntington High School.”

“Since first meeting Eli this summer, I could immediately tell that this young man has an amazing way of inspiring others,” Cusack said in a statement. “His humor and positive demeanor are magnetic, and I’ve seen the effect of this on our whole school community. Kids gravitate toward him and rally around him like nothing I’ve ever seen.”

Eli’s family, friends and members of the community gathered at Huntington High School on Wednesday to celebrate Eli and raise awareness for his disease. “Eli’s Law,” was created in honor of this young man’s bravery. The law was sponsored by Suffolk County Legislator William R. Spencer, M.D.

“Eli is incredibly special. He inspires those who know about him and forever changes those who are lucky enough to know him,” said Eli’s mother, Ellen Mollineaux. “He bounces out of bed every morning with a smile and a hug. He navigates his way through his day with all of his mounting challenges with not only a smile but also a determination and grace that most of us can’t muster on our best day.”

There is currently no cure or effective treatment for Mitochondrial Disease and there are several different kinds. Eli’s slowly progressive multi-system disease that has affected his brain, heart, muscles, vision and hearing.

Spencer said he hopes Eli’s spirit will bring this disease to light. “Together, we can create the energy needed to advocate for thousands of families who are living the reality of mitochondrial disease each day.”

To learn more about Mitochondrial Disease and to find out how you can help promote awareness, visit the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation website at www.umdf.org, or call 1-888-317-UMDF.

Image via Office of Suffolk County Legislator William R. Spencer, M.D.