Formation of Statewide MG Support Group and “Walk to Stomp Out MG” Planned

To increase awareness and support for patients with Myasthenia Gravis (MGFA), a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder, Dr. Vickie Henderson is organizing the state’s first “Walk to Stomp out MG.” The walk has been set tentatively for December 3rd at 9 a.m. at Lake Dardanelle State Park in Russellville and will be followed by the formation of the statewide support group.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

There are currently have 120 people in Arkansas registered with MGFA. In order to coordinate and provide support we are striving to get as many patients registered as possible. Please pass this information along to your patients.

If you treat patients with MG, contact Vickie Henderson, MD for patient referrals and inclusion on the MGFA website. Corporate and individual sponsorship for the walk is also encouraged.

Myasthenia Gravis (pronounced My-as-theen-ee-a Grav-us) comes from the Greek and Latin words meaning “grave muscular weakness.” The most common form of MG is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder that is characterized by fluctuating weakness of the voluntary muscle groups. The prevalence of MG in the United States is estimated to be about 20/100,000 population. However, MG is probably under diagnosed and the prevalence may be higher. Myasthenia Gravis occurs in all races, both genders, and at any age. MG is not thought to be directly inherited nor is it contagious. It does occasionally occur in more than one member of the same family.

The Myasthenia Gravis Patient Registry is an active database of persons with Myasthenia Gravis (MG), developed for the purposes of research, treatment, and patient information.  The MG Patient Registry is a confidential and patient-driven research project, funded by the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA), managed by the MGFA and the Coordinating Center of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) with oversight by the MGFA Patient Registry Committee.