Great
Lakes Chapter
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Chapter History
In the fall of 1975, a few Myasthenia Gravis (MG) patients in the Grand Rapids area became acquainted. Through the insights gained by sharing with others with MG, the interest to start a local chapter evolved. The desire to educate patients, their families and the public about this autoimmune neuromuscular illness contributed in this decision. The need to re-alert the medical profession and support research to find new treatment methods and the cause and cure of the illness were also supporting factors. We began with a nucleus of 18 patients. Currently we have over 500 patient members.
In April 1976 our Great Lakes
Chapter received its charter from the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America,
Inc. (MGFA), a national non-profit [501(c)3] organization formed in 1952
exclusively for the purpose of supporting research into the cause and cure of
MG, and to distribute information about the illness. Headquartered in New York
City, they support over 25 chapters through-out the United States. Through a
prestigious Medical /Scientific Advisory Board, the MGFA directs research
programs at major medical centers across the country. The National Nurses
Advisory Board assists local chapters with nursing care programs.
Our Great Lakes Chapter affairs were coordinated from a patient’s
home until 1987 when a local company donated office space. In 1988 our first
part-time staff person was hired, and ten years later we hired a full-time
Executive Director.
Today
The Great Lakes Chapter maintains a full-time director
and an elected Board of
Trustees provides support and governance. Support meetings are held in
several locations throughout the Michigan. The meetings provide opportunity for
patients, their families and friends to learn about the illness and share tips
on living with the condition. A variety of educational materials are available
to patients, the public and medical professionals. A Chapter newsletter features
local and national activities, and medical and/or patient oriented articles.
Trained volunteers are available to assist newly diagnosed patients in adjusting
to their illness and for in-hospital visits.
As a self-sustaining volunteer organization, we depend on financial
assistance from patients, their families and friends, and from outside gifts. To
continue and expand our services and awareness programs, a variety of
fundraising events are held throughout the year in addition to annual
memberships of $25.00 or more. You are invited to support us with your
tax-deductible donation. Annual reports, budgets and operating plans are
available upon request.
Please contact us if you would like more information about
myasthenia gravis, our chapter operations or to become a chapter volunteer.