When Jonathan Russell lost his mother Sandra to mitochondrial disease, he and his family turned grief into action—launching what would become one of MitoAction’s most cherished annual events. Now in its 15th year, the Sandra K Russell Derby Day Benefit is a celebration of community, hope, and resilience.
In this episode of Energy in Action, Jonathan shares how Derby Day began as a backyard tradition and grew into a high-energy Boston fundraiser drawing hundreds of guests. He walks us through the planning process, the meaningful impact of the event, and the incredible role it plays in supporting families affected by mito. Listeners will learn how the event supports MitoAction’s work year-round and how a portion of proceeds fund the Matthew Hardy Camper Fund—giving kids with mitochondrial disease a chance to experience the magic of summer camp.
Whether you’ve attended Derby Day or are hearing about it for the first time, this episode highlights why it’s so much more than just a party—it’s a powerful tribute, a fundraising lifeline, and a joyful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together.
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