Child Finds Creative Outlet to Seek Cure for Mitochondrial Diseases

O’Rian Jolley dreams of one day entering the Coast Guard and joining his dad as an active member of the military. The 11-year-old currently has several medical obstacles, including mitochondrial diseases of the brain, hydrocephaly, and diseases of the esophagus, but he’s not letting those stand in his way. He’s seeking a cure for mitochondrial diseases.

O’Rian has raised nearly $1,000 for research at Children’s National by creating and selling paracord bracelets. His mother, Sarah, says there’s no set price for O’Rian’s Hope Bracelets, but some people have donated as much as $100.

“It’s really neat to watch him do this on his own,” she said. “He wants to raise money so Children’s National can find a cure for the diseases that affect him and many other kids.”

It takes O’Rian four to five hours to create each bracelet, and he makes them in several colors. Paracord bracelets are popular among military and law enforcement personnel, because the cording can be unwound in an emergency and has several survival applications.

To learn more about this initiative or how your family can give back to Children’s National, please contact Tammy Glasser, Grateful Family Program, at [email protected] or 301-565-8432.