“When she was a year and half old, the doctor told us she didn’t have much time left,” said Mindy Stump, Sarah Landrigan’s mother. “We were told we’d be lucky if she lived to be 2.” That was nearly 6 years ago.

Sarah Landrigan has Mitochondrial Disease, an illness that prevents her body from converting food and oxygen into energy efficiently. The disease also causes seizures, ketotic hypoglycemia, persistent fatigue, developmental delays, severe muscle weakness and gastrointestinal issues. Sarah is also g-tube dependent. “I was told she would never walk, never talk, never be able to show affection,” Mindy said. Fortunately, the doctors were wrong.

Although still struggling with the disease, Sarah has made milestones in her journey. But, a cure is still being sought and money for research is needed.

Sarah’s sMILES, a local organization formed to bring awareness and support, is hosting a fundraiser for the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation on Tuesday, Jan. 21. Proceeds from the benefit basketball game between the Willie 103.5 Hoopsters and Sarah’s sMILES will go to UMDF, a non-profit organization that supports research toward finding a cure for Sarah’s disease.

The basketball benefit game begins at  7 p.m. at New Life Christian Church, 744 S. 325 E, Warsaw. Kids can also play in the Joy Jungle, northern Indiana’s largest indoor play land.

Admission is $5 per person or $20 per family and is a tax-deductible donation to the UMDF. There will be concessions available with all proceeds going to UMDF. You can get a $5 off admission ticket by inviting 5 people to “like” Sarah’s sMILES’ Facebook page. Have those 5 people post on the wall that you sent them, and you win!

See related:
Sarah is Searching for a Cure
Young Cinderella Receives a Princesses Gift