On Sunday, Oct. 4, the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, Inc. will host the Delaware Valley MG Walk in an effort to raise support and awareness about an incurable, debilitating disease.
More than 400 participants affected by Myasthenia Gravis will gather to celebrate the lives of MG patients, physicians and caregivers, and walk to raise awareness and funds to support the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA). Christine Arty will be honored as the Delaware Valley MG Walk Hero and will speak at the opening ceremony as an MG patient. Her family and friends will walk with her on Oct. 4.
This year’s walk will begin at 10 a.m., with registration and check-in beginning at 9 a.m. at Lorimer Park in Abington Township. All information about the walk can be found at www.mgwalk.org/delawarevalley, by calling 1-855-MGWALKS or by sending an email to Info@MGWalk.org.
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 it can affect muscles that control eye movements, eyelids, chewing, swallowing, coughing and facial expressions, as well as the arms and legs. MG can also affect breathing.
The MFGA is the only national volunteer health agency dedicated solely to the fight against Myasthenia Gravis and to serving patients with MG. With money raised from the MG Walk, the MFGA is committed to finding a cure for Myasthenia Gravis and closely related disorders, improving treatment options and providing information and support to people with MG through research, education, community programs and advocacy.
At the Delaware Valley MG Walk, many have made a major contribution to making the world aware of MG and contributing to research and patient programs. This year, walk participants will be asked to do even more by wearing their t-shirts and talking about the walk. Visit the MG Walk and MGFA Facebook and Twitter pages. Talk about the walk and MG everywhere you can. Be a spokesperson for MG with friends and family. To learn more about what you can do for MG Awareness, visit the MGFA website at myasthenia.org.
