*Photos Submitted

Press Release 3/5/2015

NEWARK – On Saturday, February 21st, over 75 people attended the NJ Devils hockey game at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, to support the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation (UMDF).  Through the Devils Fundraising Program, a portion of each ticket sold was donated to the UMDF.

Perth Amboy resident Susan Roque, who is also the principal of the Ignacio Cruz Early Learning Center in the Perth Amboy Public Schools, was one of the event organizers.  She and her husband, Lloyd Roque, fundraise for the UMDF on a regular basis in memory of their daughter, Grace Roque, who passed away from mitochondrial disease in 2011 at the age of 13 months.

“I’d like to thank everyone who came to the game in support of this cause, especially the residents of Perth Amboy and my colleagues from the school district,” Roque said.  “It really means a lot to our family to remember Grace in this way as we work to help others who are affected by mitochondrial diseases.”

Mitochondrial diseases result from failures of the mitochondria in the cells of the body.  When this occurs, cells produce less energy and major bodily systems can be affected in significant ways.  The United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation (www.umdf.org) promotes research and education for the diagnosis, treatment, and cure of mitochondrial disorders.  In addition, the UMDF provides support to affected individuals and families.

As part of the festivities for the evening at the Devils game, the group supporting the UMDF took a picture on the ice after the game.

“We really had a great time at the game and I can’t thank the Devils organization enough for supporting a charitable cause in this way,” said Ryan Green, Grace’s uncle, Godfather, and co-organizer of the event.  “We definitely want to do it again next season with an even larger group of UMDF supporters.”

For additional information, contact Ryan Green at (732) 614-5810.