Countdown For A Cure raises over $1 million at 2026 Evening of Energy Gala

Countdown For A Cure's 2026 Evening of Energy gala raised over $1 million, presented the 2026 Powerhouse Award to Sonya Knebel, and included remarks noting CFAC's 2025 grant support for mitochondrial biomarker development.

Countdown For A Cure held its 2026 Evening of Energy gala and reported raising over $1 million. The event recognized patient leadership and highlighted research priorities in mitochondrial disease. The 2026 Powerhouse Award honored Sonya Knebel for her leadership and advocacy after experiencing mitochondrial dysfunction. Speakers included Natalie Yivgi-Ohana, PhD, who discussed grant-supported work on biomarkers. Event highlights: - The gala raised over $1 million for Countdown For A Cure. - The 2026 Powerhouse Award was presented to Sonya Knebel, noted as the 2022 European Long Drive Champion and 2022 World Long Drive Bronze Medalist, in recognition of her advocacy after experiencing mitochondrial dysfunction. - Natalie Yivgi-Ohana, PhD, founder and CEO of Minovia Therapeutics and a 2025 CFAC grant recipient, spoke at the event. - CFAC's 2025 grant is specifically supporting mitochondrial biomarker development to improve tools for measuring cellular function, tracking disease progression, and assessing therapeutic response. Summary: Funds raised at the gala will support Countdown For A Cure's work on mitochondrial disease research and advocacy, including its grant programs. The biomarker work supported by CFAC aims to advance tools that can accelerate clinical translation and help evaluate next-generation mitochondrial therapies.