It was no surprise when 6-year-old Joey Mileti won the Prince Charming award at his school this year, as he exhibits all the great qualities of the nobleman—he's always smiling and happy and is a joy to be around.

Brave is another word that aptly describes Joey, as the young boy was diagnosed with Mitochondrial Disease when he was 2 and a half, and at that time given a life expectancy of only three months to a year.

"Joey is a very happy and well adjusted child. He cannot walk unless it's assisted and this disease affects his entire motor skills, so he can't really do much of anything," said his mother, Gabby Mileti. "When he walks, it's a very clumsy walk with a walker, but with all that being said, his disposition is amazing."

Mitochondrial Disease is a chronic, genetic disorder that occurs when the mitochondria of the cell fails to produce enough energy for cell or organ function. Since the disease was only discovered 20 years ago, most people have not even heard of it, and even some doctors don't know much about it.

"My own pediatrician wasn't even familiar with it," Gabby Mileti said. "The sad thing is that the mitochondria is the powerhouse cell of your body, and if they find a way to help the mitochondria, they will be able to cure Type 2 diabetes and help millions of people."

To help spread awareness, two years ago Gabby and her husband Joe started the JDM Fund for Mitochondrial Research (for Joseph Difolco Mileti), which is dedicated to raising money for mitochondrial research for the benefit of Joey and the thousands of children and adults diagnosed each year with this devastating disease. In two years, the foundation has raised $200,000.

"We've learned that there is little or no funding, no treatment, no cure and there are institutions that are working tirelessly to come up with something," said Gabby. "If you compare it to cancer or leukemia or diabetes, the funding is practically non-existent."

On Sunday, Everything's Hair Salon in Larchmont will be hosting a "Cut Out Mito" fundraiser to raise both awareness and money for this disease.

"Joey and my son were born the same year and baptized together, so when he was diagnosed it hit very close to home and touched everybody in our shop," said Ginger Pulcino, owner of the salon. "We all wanted to do something to help. We do a fundraiser every year for a local family and this year decided to do it for them."

A group of eight workers have given up their off day on Sunday to work cutting hair, and all proceeds will go toward the foundation. Local businesses have contributed gift baskets to raffle off (including a pair of David Letterman tickets), and food will be donated by local merchants including Village Bagels and Rita's.

"I was blown away by the generosity of Ginger and all the girls who are donating their time in the salon to raise money and awareness for my kid," Gabby said. "This is a wonderful thing they are doing."

Joey has a younger brother, 4-year-old Marco, and the Miletis do what they can to keep the flow at home as normal as possible.

"My husband and I try to instill happiness in the family," Gabby Mileti said. "Joey can teach a lot of people a lot about what it means to be happy; normal kids should be as well adjusted as him."

The foundation is a 501c3, so all donations are tax exempt. Anyone who wants to help, can visit thejdmfund.org to learn how to donate.

The hair cutting event will be held on June 13, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Everything's Hair Salon, 1258 Boston Post Rd., Larchmont (next to Trader Joe's). Reservations are not necessary, but helpful.  Call (914) 833-9522 to reserve a seat.