January 22nd, 2013 
Bachelor Sean Lowe has always been one to talk about his passion for charity work and helping others. Last night on ABC’s The Bachelor he proved just that, as he introduced America to the Starlight Children’s Foundation, which provides entertainment, education and family activities for seriously ill children in the United States and their families.
Sean with Brianna and Emily
(Photo Credit: charities.org)
During the episode, Sean takes one of this dates to Six Flags Magic Mountain and in an unexpected twist and selfless act invites two Starlight girls, who suffer from mitochondrial disease, to enjoy the day as well.
Brianna, 17, and Emilie, 20, met on Starbright World, a closed social network for seriously ill teens that Starlight moderates, back in September 2011. The two girls bonded over their love of popculture, roller coasters, “The Bachelor” and of course their their experience living with mitochondrial disease. The disease is caused by a a failure of the mitochondria, which can lead to muscle weakness, visual problems, organ disease, respiratory disorders and neurological problems.
While best friends online and over the phone, the two were never able to meet on their own. That is until The Bachelor’s Sean Lowe and Starlight teamed up to bring the two girls together for a day they’ll never forget — riding rides, playing games and enjoying a private concert by The Eli Young Band.
Brianna, Emilie, Sean and AshLee on a rollercoast at Six Flags
(Photo Credit: ABC)
Which all goes to show that reality TV has the ability to inspire and inform in the midst of all of its silliness. That, and we may have found a bachelor with a true heart of gold.
To learn more about Mitochondrial Disease, visit the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation website. You can also learn more about the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
Thank you for this article! My son has a mitochondrial disease and it's amazing to see it becoming a little bit more mainstream.
Thanks for helping spread awareness of Mitochondrial Disease, my daughter passed away 10 years ago from this horrible disease, awareness is the key to a cure!
Thank you so much for sharing this important information to raise awareness about Mitochondrial Disease. My 20 year old son has live almost his entire life living with mito and its degenerative effects.