Apr 28: IVIg, PLEX, New Therapies- Spring Seminar

Posted by myasthenia

Spring Patient Seminar

Speakers:  Ryan Jacobson, MD, Neurologist

Brittany Nord, Account Manager, Terumo BCT

Sunday, April 28, 2019

Elmhurst Memorial Hospital

155 E Brush Hill Road, Elmhurst, Illinois

GREEN Parking Lot, EAST entrance

Lower Level Conference Center – Oak Room

Thanks to our sponsor!

The Topic

IVIg and plasmapheresis (also called plasma exchange or “PLEX”) are often used to provide important relief when an individual’s MG weakness doesn’t respond to first line medications. One therapy involves an infusion of normal antibodies, while the other “cleans” offending antibodies from one’s system. How do these therapies compare – who is a candidate for each one, how well do patients respond, and what is the patient experience like? What about side effects, site, and how they compare to new therapies?

Our Speakers:

Ryan Jacobson, MD

Ryan D. Jacobson, MD is affiliated with Rush University Medical Center and specializes in neurology and neuromuscular medicine. He treats many MG patients and is well aquainted with treatment trends.

Brittany Nord is an Account Manger for Terumo BCT, a firm that manufactures and develops software for plasmapheresis equipment. She’ll explain the process of plasma exchange, and how the equipment does its job.

This discussion will help you better understand MG treatments for crisis and maintenance. Click the blue button to register today!

 

Event is free, includes lunch.  Please consider a donation of $25 per person (or amount of your choice) to help offset costs.

The Schedule

11:30 am – 12:00 pm          Registration

12:00 pm – 12:40 pm          Buffet luncheon (chicken, pasta, salad, soda, coffee, tea)

12:40 pm – 1:00 pm            Conquer MG announcements

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm              Presentation and Q&A

Please register by Tuesday, April 23, to be included in the count for lunch. You can register by clicking the button above. Or call the office at 1-800-888-6208. Walk-ins are welcome. Your advance notice helps us plan for enough seating and food.

 

Directions and Parking

 

Click to see past Conquer MG seminar topics.

Visit our YouTube channel to see past presentations.

June 2: Viking 5K Fun Run/Walk to Conquer MG

Posted by myasthenia

SUNDAY, JUNE 2, 2019

REGISTRATION OPENS 7:15AM

DANADA FOREST PRESERVE, WHEATON, ILLINOIS

Be a Viking and help Conquer Myasthenia Gravis!

Bring your warrior helmets and horns, and join us for this year’s Viking 5K Fun Run/Walk. Give hope to those struggling with this rare autoimmune disease “MG.” 
HIGHLIGHTS

  • NEW location: scenic Danada Forest Preserve, Wheaton, Illinois.
  • Viking theme! Bring your Viking helmets and horns, beards and braids! Team signs!
  • NEW: MG patients pay just $20

5K FUN RUN/WALK INCLUDES: 

  • 5K Fun Run for fitness warriors – this is an untimed event
  • Leisurely walk (you choose the distance) around Danada’s bridle path circle
  • Kids Dash with prizes for every participant
  • Amazing raffle prizes!!!

SIGN UP – DONATE

  • Sign up online – More user-friendly than last year!
  • Donate – with a click of the yellow button. If you like, you can assign a donation to a team or person’s fundraising page.
  • Fundraise – asking your friends and family to support your cause – can have a huge impact. Create your own fundraising page when you register, then share the link; this way your friends’ donations can be attributed to you/your team.

WHERE

Danada Forest Preserve

3S580 Naperville Rd
Wheaton, IL 60189

PRICING – You still can grab a discount!

  • MG Patients: $20 any time ($17.50 plus $2.50 reg. fee)
  • Kids 13 and under: $15 ($12.50 plus $2.50 reg. fee)
  • Everyone else
    • Early – through March 31: $30 + $2.50 registration fee (Catch it next year!)
    • Regular – March 31 to May 7: $35 + $2.50 registration fee
    • Late – May 8 to 4:00pm May 31: $37 + $2.50 registration fee
    • Race Day – June 2: $40 including registration fee

Sign up by May 7 to ensure you get a t-shirt and that it’s in the right size! Youth Medium and Men’s sizes up to 3X are available.

You can register yourself and others online. You can sign the online waiver for yourself and each person you register.

To register by mail, click here to print a 2019 Registration Form.

SWAG

When registering, you can purchase Viking gear!

 SCHEDULE

  • 7:15 a.m. Event check-in opens
  • 8:00 a.m. Welcome
  • 8:15 a.m. Fun Run – on the Forest Preserve trail, past meadows and woods
  • 8:30 a.m. Walk starts
  • 9:30 a.m. Kids’ Dash
  • 9:45 a.m. Raffle winners announced

 

DONATIONS AND FUNDRAISING

Your support is welcome and needed.

The registration page has quick tips on these topics:

  • How to Donate
  • How to Create a Team
  • How to Fundraise

QUESTIONS? Call 800-888-6208 or email info@myastheniagravis.org

Click Frequently Asked Questions 2019 for answers to frequently asked questions about the event. Let’s raise public awareness of myasthenia gravis!

Want to volunteer?  Call 1-800-888-6208.
Click here to see pictures from the 2018 Run/Walk on our Facebook page.

Patient Assistance Program offered for IL, IN & WI

Posted by myasthenia

Good news!

If you are a myasthenia gravis patient struggling with high medical costs, our Patient Assistance Program may be able to provide some relief. Our program will cover the cost of medical treatment and medication up to $1,000 per year per person, to the extent funds are available. The program paid over $15,000 in reimbursements in 2018, and is now accepting applications for 2019.

  • To be eligible, 1) your doctor must confirm you have myasthenia gravis, 2) you must live in Illinois, Indiana, or Wisconsin, and 3) you need to explain and show proof of your financial situation.
  • Eligible expenses include doctor bills, prescription medication costs, and expenses for durable medical equipment that remain after insurance has paid its portion.
  • If you already have paid your portion of your medical bills, you can submit your expenses, and if approved, the reimbursement will be paid directly to you.

Click here for a complete description of the program.

Click here for a copy of the application.

Keep in mind these costs do not need to be directly related to treatment for myasthenia gravis but may be for any medical treatment or prescription drug cost you have incurred.