Chondrie Children's Book
For World Mitochondrial Disease Week, we are thrilled to introduce you to Chondrie, a friendly little mitochondrion with a big job!
Our new children’s book was created to help kids and families understand mitochondrial disease in a gentle, hopeful, and child-friendly way.
And here’s what makes it even more special: every child in this book is a real patient living with an mtARS-related mitochondrial disease. Their stories, shared with love, shine a light on resilience, courage, and the different ways mito affects the body.
Through Chondrie’s eyes, children learn:
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What mitochondria do in our bodies
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How mito can affect different parts of the body (symptoms)
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The many therapies and supports kids may use
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Why rest, care, and precautions matter
But most importantly, Chondrie shows that every child is unique, strong, and deserving of love and inclusion. This story is not intended to be scientific, but to open doors for conversations, empathy, and awareness about disabilities, rare disease, and neurodiversity.
By sharing Chondrie’s story, you help raise awareness and spark understanding, not just in the mito community, but in classrooms, libraries, and homes everywhere.
Proceeds from the book benefit CureARS, funding research for mtARS-related mitochondrial diseases and bringing hope to families around the world.
👉 Get your copy of Chondrie: The Tiny Battery with a Big Job
Together, let’s shine a light on mito.
free chondrie coloring page!
Bring Chondrie to life with your own creativity! Download your own free coloring page and let kids (and adults!) add their own colors to our friendly mitochondrion. It's a fun way to spark conversations about energy, differences, and rare disease awareness, while showing off your artistic side!