Myasthenia Gravis

Who: Fernando Ferrer, former NYC mayoral candidate and MG patient, will be joining hundreds of walkers at the 2011 TriState MG Walk on Sunday, June 12 at Riverside Park in Manhattan. To date, more than 1,200 walkers have registered across the nation and raised nearly $300,000 for this awareness and fundraising campaign that has taken place in Florida, Wisconsin and in the upcoming TriState area. Many more MG Walks are planned for later in 2011 and 2012 around the country.

What: The MG Walk is a new signature fundraising campaign designed to provide hope for the thousands of families forced to face the challenges caused by myasthenia gravis. This effort will raise funds to help the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, MGFA, to continue their mission to provide programs to assist those living with MG and fund much needed research, in a truly inspirational day of sharing, caring and fun.

Why: MG affects people of any age, race or gender. The most common form of MG is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder that is characterized by fluctuating weakness of the voluntary muscle groups, and can affect muscles that control eye movements, eyelids, chewing, swallowing, coughing and facial expression as well as the arms legs. MG also can affect breathing. The prevalence of MG in the US is estimated to be about 1 in 5,000 people.

MGFA is committed to finding a cure for myasthenia gravis and closely related disorders, improving treatment options and providing information and support to people with myasthenia gravis through research, education, community programs and advocacy.

Where: Riverside Park, Manhattan, NY (103rd St and Riverside St entrance). Walkers will experience a beautiful 1 or 3 Mile stroll within Park.

MGFA is the only national volunteer health agency dedicated solely to the fight against myasthenia gravis and to serving patients with MG. MGFA has over 20 Chapters around the US serving patients & their families and caregivers through support groups and programs.

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