Audrey Shelton of Dunwoody was diagnosed with mitochondrial disease.
ATLANTA -- The Foundation for Mitochondrial Medicine will hold a fundraiser called "Hope Flies" on Friday, September 14.
The event is designed to inspire hope and raise significant funds and awareness for the most promising mitochondrial disease research and treatments.
Mitochondrial disease is a genetic disorder that can affect speech, brain function and physical development. It's a complex, underdiagnosed disease that may appear anytime - at birth, in the teen years or, as an adult.
The disease has links to other more familiar disorders: Autism, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS), muscular dystrophy.
It's not rare but often goes undiagnosed.
Hope Flies will take place from 7:30 p.m. to midnight at the Mason Murer Art Gallery at 199 Armour Drive.
The event will feature dance music from Yacht Rock Revue, a live auction, raffles and food provided by Endive.
Individual tickets to the event are $150, and all proceeds benefit the Foundation for Mitochondrial Disease.