History & Mission
The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of Illinois, Inc. was founded in 1972 by a grass roots group of caring patients, family members and physicians who wanted to help patients achieve the best quality of life, while living with and managing their MG. A national Myasthenia Gravis Foundation existed, but contact with Illinois was limited. The founders believed local patients needed to communicate with other patients as well as have ready access to the most current information. A Chicago area patient, in conjunction with Dr. Benjamin Boshes, then Chairman of the Neurology Department at Northwestern University, convened a meeting. Over 200 people attended.
Since its incorporation in 1972, the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of Illinois has expanded its coverage from Illinois to serve patients in the Quad Cities and Northwest Indiana.
Our mission is to facilitate the timely diagnosis and optimal care of individuals affected by myasthenia gravis and to improve their lives through programs of patient services, public awareness, medical research, professional education, advocacy and patient care.
The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of Illinois has four major goals.
- Provide supportive, cost-effective services for patients and families that improve quality of life
- Raise public awareness about MG and the challenges patients encounter each day
- Educate and inform medical professionals to eliminate drawn out diagnoses, misdiagnoses and encounters with doctors who are unfamiliar with MG
- Support national and local research to find the cause and discover a cure for MG
Our Members Guide Us
When formulating and pursuing our goals, MGF of Illinois talks to many patients, family members, friends, and healthcare professionals. We welcome input from everyone affected by MG. We appreciate the knowledge we gain by listening to all who take the time to contact us.
Information on this page updated October 2009