NEW YORK, April 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

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.  On Saturday, April 30th, The MG Walk comes to Greenfield Park in West Allis, Milwaukee County in order to raise funds and awareness for the MGFA! This effort will raise funds to help us continue our mission to provide programs to assist those living with MG and fund 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.

When: Saturday, April 30, 2011 @ 9:00 am

Where: Greenfield Park, West Allis, Wisconsin.  1 or 3 Mile Walk inside this beautiful park.

Contacts: Media should contact 1-855-MGWALKS (855-649-2557).   For correspondence on the "Day of Event" please contact Rich Mauch, 914-879-0502.  Walkers and volunteers are encouraged to participate by visiting www.MGWalk.org, emailing Info@MGWalk.org or calling 1-855-MGWALKS (855-649-2557).  

About MGFA:

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. Each chapter is independently managed and each shares MGFA's vision of a world without MG.

Learn more at www.Myasthenia.org.

SOURCE Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA)