The Energy Award

The Energy Award

The Energy Award recognizes an individual who embodies the spirit of the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation’s (UMDF) mission — promoting research and education for the diagnosis, treatment, and cure of mitochondrial disorders, along with supporting affected individuals and families.

We’re proud to recognize Jody Thompson as the 2025 Energy Award winner.

Jody, a mito mom from Crooksville, OH, has been a force for mitochondrial disease awareness, patient support, advocacy for mito-friendly legislation, and fundraising toward cures for over two decades. She’s done it all in honor of her daughter, Baylee, who has mitochondrial disease. “Early on, we knew something was wrong,” said Jody. Baylee was diagnosed at 9-months-old. Today, she’s 25.

Since 2001, Jody has worked tirelessly on behalf of patient families by raising awareness during World Mitochondrial Disease Week and year-round, and she’s been successful along her Support Squad for Baylee in lighting up her local county courthouse green for mito awareness. Her long-running fundraiser, “Bet on Baylee,” has raised $100,000 toward the mission of UMDF – funding critical mission programs and research toward cures.

As Jody said, “Now, I fight for the next generation of mitochondrial disease patients. At some point, we have to say it’s not going to happen again.”

Jody embodies the spirit of the UMDF mission, and we congratulate her on her many years spent energizing the fight. This one’s for you, Jody!

Previous Energy Awardees

Linda Ramsey 2024
Grace Robinson 2023
Stacy Taylor 2022
Sebastien Cotte 2021
Ryan Eberly 2020
Hayley Leib 2019
Angie Nunn 2018
Liz Kennerly 2017
Karen Loftus 2016
Sherri Shultz 2015
Karen Ricci 2014
Jennifer Schultz 2013