Honoring Sandra Russell Through 15 Years of Derby Day

April 16, 2025 00:29:20
Honoring Sandra Russell Through 15 Years of Derby Day
Energy in Action by MitoAction
Honoring Sandra Russell Through 15 Years of Derby Day

Apr 16 2025 | 00:29:20

/

Show Notes

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.

Learn More About Derby Day and MitoAction:

 

Other Episodes

Episode 44

February 02, 2022 00:25:00
Episode Cover

Removing Barriers in Ultra-Rare

  ENERGY IN ACTION - EPISODE 044 Removing Barriers in Ultra-Rare   Joining me in this episode are Desiree Magee & Ashley Rowland of CureARS, a...

Listen

Episode 48

March 16, 2022 00:49:24
Episode Cover

Parenting & Living Life With Chronic Pain - Ross McCreery

  PARENTS AS RARE - EPISODE 048 Parenting & Living Life With Chronic Pain - Ross McCreery    Ross McCreery is a dad, husband, advocate, writer...

Listen

Episode 55

May 18, 2022 00:41:09
Episode Cover

Dr. Stephanie Mihalas - Find Your Balance, Find Your Center

  PARENTS AS RARE - EPISODE 055 Dr. Stephanie Mihalas - Find Your Balance, Find Your Center   Dr. Stephanie Mihalas is a licensed psychologist, nationally...

Listen