We believe in the power of community and compassion. Each day, children with mitochondrial disease and their families face immense challenges, but together, we can make a difference 💚
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The Liam Foundation · Always Forward
The Leading Mitochondrial Disease Organization in Canada and Around the World

Active in more than 30 countries, The Liam Foundation leads the global fight against mitochondrial disease and POLG, funding breakthrough research, supporting families and raising awareness on every continent.

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Raising Awarness for Mitochondrial Disease Togheter
Together, We’re Bringing Hope to Families Affected by Mitochondrial Disease in Canada 💚

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who joined us for the 3rd Annual Chris Nilan Golf Classic powered by The Liam Foundation. ⛳️ Your presence, generosity, and incredible support made this event truly unforgettable. Every person who participated helped us raise awareness, support families, and move research forward in the fight against Mitochondrial Disease in Canada and around the world with an awesome 300 000$ raised. Together, we are turning a day on the golf course into hope for a brighter future. 💚☘️

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Science That Changes Lives
Funding Research That Delivers Real Results Against Mitochondrial Disease

Your donations do more than raise awareness, they fund science. The Liam Foundation helped fund a published study on a treatment for POLG-related disorders, a group of rare mitochondrial diseases that previously had no effective therapy. Long-term results bring real hope to children and families around the world.

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2nd annual Chris Nilan Golf Classic
What an incredible success!

The 2nd Annual Chris Nilan Golf Classic powered by The Liam Foundation raised an astounding $200,000 this year! Thanks to the generosity, energy, and love of everyone who participated, supported, and gave their time, we are able to continue pushing forward in the fight against mitochondrial disease. 💚

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Liam Story - Mitochondrial Disease - Liam Foundation
Liam Behind The Camera with Kevin James Reason - Liam Foundation
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Where It All Began

One Diagnosis. One Promise. A Global Movement against Mito.

In June 2019, Liam was diagnosed with POLG disease, a rare genetic form of mitochondrial disease that affects balance and motor skills and causes epilepsy and autism.

Doctors told his family there was no cure, and that life expectancy for his condition ranged from 3 months to 12 years.

His father, Kevin James Reason, refused to accept that answer. After meeting with specialists in Canada, the United States and England, one thing became clear: research was urgently needed.

He founded The Liam Foundation and partnered with the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation to fund research and clinical trials.

I have made finding a cure my number one priority in life. I won't stop until a cure is found."

Kevin James Reason, Founder of the Liam Foundation and Liam's Dad
Read The Liam's Journey
A Global Community

Leading the Fight in 30+ Countries

What started with one father's promise to his son has become the main international movement for families facing Mitochondrial Disease. From Canada to the United States, Europe, Asia and beyond, The Liam Foundation is the organization families turn to first for answers, for resources and for hope. No family should face mitochondrial disease alone, and wherever it strikes, we are there.

33+
Countries reached
80+
Charity events
120+
Monthly Donator
200+
Supported and understood families
Bring hope for little angels

Donate today for the mitochondrial disease research

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Give hope to little angels
Why donate us

Support Life-Changing Research

Support Groundbreaking Research

Your donation directly funds vital research to find a cure for mitochondrial disease, bringing hope to countless families.

Empower Families

Contributions provide essential resources and support for families affected by mitochondrial disease, improving their quality of life.

Join a Compassionate Community

By donating, you become part of a dedicated community committed to making a tangible impact in the fight against mitochondrial disease. Together, we can achieve more.

Making little steps

Ways We Fight Mitochondrial Disease

At The Liam Foundation, we are dedicated to supporting children and families affected by mitochondrial disease in Canada and all around the world.

Our work focuses on advancing research, raising awareness, and providing vital resources to those in need. We strive to bring hope through groundbreaking initiatives and community support. Discover more about our goals on the Our Mission page, or learn how you can contribute to our efforts by visiting our Get Involved section. Together, we can make a difference.

Medical Research

We fund research and clinical trials to find effective treatments and, one day, a cure for POLG and other mitochondrial diseases.

Family Support

We guide newly diagnosed families toward resources, specialists and a community that truly understands.

Awareness & Education

We share accessible, science-based information so that mitochondrial disease is recognized and diagnosed earlier.

Our Mission
Always Forward

Building the World's Leading Network for Mitochondrial Disease

From one father's promise in Québec to a movement that spans more than 30 countries, The Liam Foundation keeps moving forward. Today, we are building the infrastructure the mitochondrial disease community has always needed: a dedicated treatment centre, a patient registry, a pharmaceutical arm, a program for the next generation of researchers, and new branches in the United States and Europe.

Together, these initiatives put us at the centre of the global fight against POLG and mitochondrial disease.

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Liam Mito Centre

A specialized mitochondrial disease centre at the Montreal Children's Hospital, created in partnership with the Montreal Children's Hospital Foundation and the McGill University Health Centre. Children and families from around the world can access expert diagnosis, care and clinical trials in one place.

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today

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Liam Pharma

Our pharmaceutical initiative to accelerate the development of, and access to, treatments for POLG-related disorders and other mitochondrial diseases. It turns research breakthroughs into therapies that reach patients faster.

Liam Mito Registry

A secure international registry of people living with POLG and mitochondrial disease. It helps researchers understand the disease, match patients with clinical trials and speed up the path to new treatments. Every family that joins helps move science forward.

Join the Registry

Liam Scholar Program

A program that supports promising students and young researchers in mitochondrial medicine. Investing in the next generation of scientists and clinicians brings us closer to a cure.

The proactive Mitochondrial Disease organization in Canada and Globally

We work with families and organization in more than 30 countries around the world

What started with one father’s promise to his son has become the main international movement for families facing POLG and mitochondrial disease. From Canada to the United States, Europe, Asia and beyond, The Liam Foundation is the organization families turn to first for answers, for resources and for hope.

No family should face mitochondrial disease alone, and wherever it strikes, we are there.

Leading the Fight against Mitochondrial disease and POLG in 30+ Countries
Together we go further

Our Lovely Partner

Events & programs

Latest Events & Programs

Sumerlea Golf and Country Club
3rd Annual LEMONADE FOR LIAM (SOLD OUT)

The 3rd Annual Lemonade for Liam was a heart-warming success together we raised…

Sumerlea Golf and Country Club
Chris Nilan Golf Classic : 2nd Edition (What an incredible success!)

The 2nd Annual Chris Nilan Golf Classic powered by The Liam Foundation raised…

LAUGHS-FOR-LIAM-LIAM-FOUNDATION-Postponed
St.Thomas More Parish
💚 Laughs for Liam – Postponed

We are thrilled to announce the 2nd annual "Laughs for Liam" comedy night!…

3th annual Chris Nilan Golf Classic

A unifying day for raising awarness for Mitochondrial Disease in Canada and around the world

Testimonials

Families Share Their Journey

Our family’s story is one of resilience, determination, and an unshakable hope. We are the parents of two beautiful children, Antonia, 16, and David, nearly 4. Both of them are bravely fighting against a rare and challenging genetic condition: the SUCLG1 mitochondrial mutation. This journey has tested us in unimaginable ways, but it has also revealed our inner strength and the depths of our love for our children.
A Family’s Journey with SUCLG1 Mitochondrial Mutation-2
Antonia and DavidBy Mom and Dad
On December 31st, Harper's dad found her unconscious and not breathing, leading to a terrifying journey of seizures, comas, and hospital stays. Diagnosed with a severe POLG mitochondrial disorder, Harper has battled through unimaginable challenges, including liver failure. Despite her struggles, Harper’s spirit remains unbroken—she still smiles, laughs, and brightens the lives of everyone around her. At just 2 ½ years old, her resilience and sense of humor shine, showing the world her unyielding strength and love for life.
Testimonial Harper Affected by Mitochondrial disease - Liam Foundation
Harper's StoryBy Elizabeth | Harper's Mom
Branden Christian Petro, my brave son, is the light in my darkest moments, and his smile, laughter, and voice are deeply missed. Despite the unimaginable pain of watching him suffer, his strength continues to inspire. Mitochondrial Disease may have taken so much, but it will never take away his courage. I cherish every moment and urge you to hold your loved ones close, for time is precious. Branden, you will forever be the center of my world. I love you always, until forever is no more.
Branden-The-Brave - Mitochondrial Disease Testimonial - Liam Foundation
Branden The Brave's StoryBy Renee | Branden's Mom
On April 11, 2022, I found my son Sarhan going unconscious and vomiting nonstop, we rushed to the hospital and found he was having a seizure, after several visits to doctors we came to know he is having POLG Mitochondrial disorder which we never heard about.

Every day he faces new challenges like managing energy levels, dealing with body jurks, seizures and many more but our little one is incredibly strong and keeps surprising us with his determination.
SARHAN TESTIMONIAL LIAM FOUNDATION-2
SarhanSarhan's Family
Tucker was born in September of 2021 after a healthy pregnancy and smooth delivery. He was perfect on the growth charts and we were over the moon as first time parents. In Tucker's first year of life, he had some feeding issues and muscle issues that were written off as "normal" baby issues and that he would outgrow them or catch up.

At 17 months old, Tucker kept having odd spells where he would become wobbly and his eyes would roll around. As first time parents, we just thought that he was overly tired. Every day he faces new challenges like managing energy levels, dealing with body jurks, seizures and many more but our little one is incredibly strong and keeps surprising us with his determination.
TUCKER-STORY-MITOCHONDRIAL DISEASE TESTIMONIAL-2
TuckerBy Kandis | Tucker's Mom
Our Mission against the Mitochondrial Disease - The Liam Foundation
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Liam's Auction

Be part of the movement by treating yourself

Liam's Auctions is a fun way to raise funds for mitochondrial disease and you win some memorabilia you love! It's a win-win!

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Articles News & Blog

Latest News & Blog

POLG treatment, A Breakthrough Worth Sharing: Long-Term Results of the POLG Treatment Funded by The Liam Foundation Research
Comments Off on A Breakthrough Worth Sharing: Long-Term Results of the POLG Treatment Funded by The Liam Foundation
A Breakthrough Worth Sharing: Long-Term Results of the POLG Treatment Funded by The Liam Foundation

Quick Summary : What You Need to Know: The Liam Foundation funded a published study…

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Mitochondrial disease, Genetic energy disorder Education
Comments Off on Mitochondrial Disease: Genetic Energy Disorders
Mitochondrial Disease: Genetic Energy Disorders

Quick Summary : What You Need to Know: Mitochondrial diseases are genetic disorders that impair…

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Mitochondrial Dysfunction News Health
Comments Off on Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Acute and Post-Acute Phases of COVID-19
Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Acute and Post-Acute Phases of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has led to significant global health challenges.…

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Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about the Mitochondrial Disease and the Liam Foundation

The Liam Foundation is the leading mitochondrial disease organization in Canada and globally. Based in Boucherville, Québec, and founded by Kevin James Reason after his son Liam was diagnosed with POLG disease in 2019, it funds research, supports families and raises awareness in more than 30 countries.

Kevin James Reason founded The Liam Foundation in 2019, shortly after his son Liam was diagnosed with POLG disease. Doctors told the family there was no cure and that life expectancy for Liam’s condition ranged from 3 months to 12 years. Kevin refused to accept that answer and made finding a treatment and a cure his life’s mission.

The Liam Foundation supports families and partners in more than 30 countries. These include Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Brazil, Argentina, India, Japan, Australia and South Africa. The foundation is headquartered in Québec, Canada, and is expanding with new branches in Boston and Ireland.

Yes. The Liam Foundation is a registered non-profit organization in Québec, Canada. Eligible donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law, and official tax receipts are issued for qualifying gifts.

Yes. The Liam Foundation supports and connects families in more than 30 countries through resources, guidance and an international community of parents and caregivers.

Mitochondrial diseases are genetic disorders that prevent the mitochondria, the “powerhouses” of our cells, from producing enough energy. They can affect any organ, especially high-energy organs such as the brain, muscles, heart and liver. Mitochondrial diseases affect an estimated 1 in 5,000 people and can appear at any age, from infancy to adulthood.

POLG disease is a rare genetic mitochondrial disorder caused by mutations in the POLG gene. This gene makes DNA polymerase gamma, the enzyme that copies mitochondrial DNA. When it does not work properly, cells lose their ability to produce energy. This can cause seizures, liver failure, loss of balance, muscle weakness and developmental delays.

Common symptoms include seizures, muscle weakness, poor balance and coordination, developmental delays, extreme fatigue, feeding difficulties, vision or hearing problems, and liver or heart complications. Because symptoms vary so widely, mitochondrial disease is often misdiagnosed. Genetic testing is the most reliable way to confirm a diagnosis.

There is not yet a cure for POLG disease. However, a clinical trial funded mainly by The Liam Foundation has shown that deoxycytidine/deoxythymidine (dC/dT) combination therapy is safe and effective for POLG-related disorders. It is the first treatment to show real clinical benefit for these patients, and it brings families new hope while research toward a cure continues.

The Liam Foundation was the main funder of the world’s first clinical trial of dC/dT therapy for POLG-related disorders. The trial is led by Dr. Kenneth Myers at the Montreal Children’s Hospital and the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04802707). The foundation also invests in new research, patient data and the next generation of mitochondrial scientists.

Long-term results published in Neurotherapeutics in 2026 followed 25 patients. Clinical scores on the Newcastle Mitochondrial Disease Scale improved at every checkpoint from 1 to 24 months, from an average of 30.9 to 18.8. Quality of life also improved significantly. Only 11% of early-onset children died in the first year, compared with more than half expected from natural history data.

Yes. Patients from the United States, Brazil and India have travelled to Montreal to take part in the trial. Families interested in eligibility can contact The Liam Foundation, which will guide them toward the research team and the appropriate next steps.

The Liam Mito Centre is a specialized mitochondrial disease centre at the Montreal Children’s Hospital, created by The Liam Foundation in partnership with the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation and the McGill University Health Centre. It brings expert diagnosis, care and clinical research together in one place, for children and families from Canada and around the world.

Liam Pharma is The Liam Foundation’s pharmaceutical initiative. It aims to accelerate the development of, and access to, treatments for POLG-related disorders and other mitochondrial diseases, so that research breakthroughs reach patients faster.

The Liam Mito Registry is a secure international registry of people living with POLG and mitochondrial disease. It helps researchers better understand these rare disorders, identify patients for clinical trials and speed up the development of new treatments. Families around the world can join the registry. Click here to register

The Liam Scholar Program supports promising students and young researchers in mitochondrial medicine. By investing in the next generation of scientists and clinicians, The Liam Foundation strengthens long-term research toward treatments and a cure.

The new branches in Boston and Ireland extend The Liam Foundation’s reach to the United States and Europe. Boston is one of the world’s leading hubs for biomedical research. Ireland connects the foundation with families, clinicians and supporters across Ireland, the United Kingdom and Europe.

Donations fund research and clinical trials on POLG and mitochondrial disease, direct support for affected families, and awareness and education programs. They also help build long-term initiatives such as the Liam Mito Centre and the Liam Mito Registry. Every gift brings us closer to a cure.

Yes. You can set up a recurring monthly donation on our website. More than 100 monthly donors provide stable, year-round funding that allows The Liam Foundation to plan research and support families over the long term.

Businesses can sponsor signature events such as the Chris Nilan Golf Classic, donate items to Liam’s Auctions, match employee donations or become a corporate partner. The 3nd Annual Chris Nilan Golf Classic raised $300,000, and the 4th edition takes place on July 12, 2027, at Summerlea Golf & Country Club.

You are not alone. The Liam Foundation helps newly diagnosed families understand the disease, connect with specialists and clinical research, and join a global community of parents who truly understand. Contact us through our website and our team will guide you through your next steps.