Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America Kicks off National Annual Conference with Community Walk to Raise Awareness

RALEIGH, N.C., April 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA), the nonprofit dedicated to raising research funds for and awareness of the neuromuscular disease myasthenia gravis (MG), will kick off their 2016 Annual National Conference (Raleigh, North Carolina on May 1-3), with the North Carolina MG Walk on Saturday, April 30 and an address by Raleigh Mayor, Nancy McFarlane, on Monday, May 2. 

"Because many people with MG are living without a diagnosis, greater awareness of this rare disease is critical," said Nancy McFarlane, Mayor, Raleigh North Carolina. "I am honored to participate in this years' annual conference, and applaud the efforts of those fighting to educate about MG so that others will not have to suffer."

Also speaking at the conference is North Carolina MG Walk Hero, Cathy Liner of Winston-Salem, who was diagnosed with MG 31 years ago.  She and hundreds of others will be walking at Lake Lynn Park at on Saturday, April 30 at 4:00 p.m. to raise awareness.  

Conference workshops begin on Sunday afternoon, when patients and families will join medical professionals, advocates and other patients to learn more about the disease, treatment options and current research.  An agenda can be found at www.myasthenia.org

About Myasthenia Gravis (MG)
Myasthenia gravis is a disorder causing extreme muscle weakness that can impact a person's ability to see, eat, walk – and even to breathe or to smile. The condition is rare and non-contagious, and affects people of all races, genders and ages. In MG, the body's immune system attacks the connection between the nerves and the muscles, which limits the ability of the brain to control muscle movement.  The degree of muscle weakness can vary from person to person, and day to day.  Due to the high number of misdiagnoses, the precise number of people with MG is unknown, but MG is estimated to affect approximately 100,000 Americans.  There are effective treatments for most, but not all with MG.  There is currently no cure.  

About The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America
Founded in 1952, the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) is the only national volunteer health agency dedicated solely to the fight against the debilitating disease, myasthenia gravis. MGFA is committed to finding a cure for myasthenia gravis and closely related diseases, improving treatment options and providing information and support to people with myasthenia gravis through research, education, community programs and advocacy. MGFA serves patients, their families and caregivers through support groups and educational programs. For more information, please visit http://www.myasthenia.org.

Media Contact: 
Sandra Spina-Bierstein 
908 295 3897 
[email protected]

SOURCE The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America

Related Links

http://www.myasthenia.org