Varsity Football Team Raises Awareness for Mitochondrial Disease
Varsity Football Team Raises Awareness for Mitochondrial Disease
Meet Alexia. As her parents describe, she looks like a Lamborghini on the outside but has the parts of a 1920 Volkswagen bug on the inside due to her battle with a rare mitochondrial disease. You’d never know this from seeing her hopping around gleefully at Moglia Stadium each year during Fordham Prep's annual varsity football Mito Game.
She goes by “Lexi” to friends, family, and classmates is an 11-year-old girl with a charismatic smile who loves to dance hip-hop and ballet. Her mitochondrial disease is combined oxidative phosphorylation deficiency 1, a condition so rare that only three other cases are known worldwide.
This rarity underscores the urgent need for awareness and research for such diseases. On September 20th, Fordham Prep marked its third year helping LexisMightofight Inc., a nonprofit started by her mom Melissa Hopwood, raise awareness for the disease during the game against Kellenberg Memorial High School.
Melissa Hopwood serves as sports photographer at many of Fordham Prep’s athletic events.
Lexi was diagnosed at five and a half years old after extensive medical efforts, many times traveling across the US. Her condition results from abnormal mitochondria, which provide energy to her cells, and all her organs are affected as her vitals do not have enough power. This genetic defect is incredibly rare, shared with only 3 other known cases worldwide, with more than half of people with the disease diagnosed post-mortem. Symptoms include fluid buildup, partial paralysis, failure to thrive, feeding difficulties, and seizures. Yet, none have stopped Lexi’s strides.
“It means so much to the players and me to help Lexi and raise awareness for mitochondrial disease,” said linebacker Sean Rooney ‘25. “Coach Hopwood and Mrs. Hopwood are always helping the team in so many different ways. being able to help support their daughter is truly special. It’s also amazing to see how happy it makes Lexi. Knowing that despite what she has been through, she is still a vibrant energetic and happy young lady.”
Cheerleaders from the Mary Louis Academy wearing green hair bows in support of Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week interact with Lexi at the 2024 Mito Game.
With over 50 hospital stays and no known cure for the disease, Lexi continues to face her challenges with resilience and strength. Despite the countless medical interventions, she remains a bright and determined spirit, finding joy in her love for dancing. While her condition presents daily struggles, her courage and perseverance testify to her will to live life to the fullest, inspiring everyone who knows her.
