Trivia Night – Feb 24 – SOLD OUT!

Posted by myasthenia

Thank you, Einsteins!

February 24, 2018; Elmhurst, Illinois. The American Legion bar was full of eager trivia nuts, ready to battle it out for $100, a fabulous trophy, and of course bragging rights to the “Most Knowledgeable of Nothing Special” title. Braingamers took the prize (and graciously donated it to back to Conquer MG), and Suck It, Trebek! came in 2nd.

A great time was had by all. Conquer MG gratefully acknowledges emcee Jim White’s expert hosting and question preparation, and Sarah White’s scorekeeping.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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February 13, 2018: No more tables are available. We’ll post news of the winning team after February 24!

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Whether you’re a Smart Cookie or a Smarty-Pants (or heck, even a Little Clueless), you’re invited to the Conquer Myasthenia Gravis Trivia Night Fundraiser.

Saturday, February 24, 2018

Elmhurst American Legion

310 W. Butterfield Road, Elmhurst, Illinois

Doors open at 6 p.m. Trivia starts at 7 p.m.

$192 per team of 6, $130 per team of 4.

Register as many teams as you like.

Tables are limited, so register without delay!

NEW THIS YEAR: DINNER INCLUDED!

CASH BAR * 50/50 RAFFLE

A delicious DiLeo’s dinner of broasted chicken, mostaccioli, salad, oven-roasted potatoes, and pizza bread is included.  Bottled beer is just $2.75. Mixed drinks are $5.00.  Fun prizes, and a trophy for the winning team!

Call Joan @ 800-888-6208 with questions.

 

Conquer MG gratefully acknowledges the sponsorship of  

  1. S. White & Associates, LLC

Proceeds help Conquer MG serve myasthenia gravis patients.

 

Got a Question? We’ve Got an Answer

Q: Do I have to register in advance?

A: It helps us keep track. But we’ll take your money at the door, too.

 

Q: How can I pay the registration fee?

A: You have options:

  • Use your credit card online at https://goo.gl/CtEHMR. The online portal closes at 5pm Friday, February 23.
  • Mail or drop off a check to our office by Friday, February 23. Make it payable to Conquer MG, 275 N. York St., Suite 401, Elmhurst IL 60126.
  • Pay at the door with cash, check, or credit card.

 

Q: Is any part of the registration fee tax-deductible?

A: Event proceeds support Conquer Myasthenia Gravis, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Of your total registration fee, $42 of every $192 table, and $28 of every $130 fee is tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

 

Q: Will the bar be open during the game?

A: Of course! You can support the Elmhurst American Legion with your purchase of beer ($2.75) and mixed drinks ($5.00).

 

Q: Did you say “prizes”?

A: Prizes for the top two teams! A trophy and prize for the winning team, and the judge’s decisions are final.

 

Q: What’s the parking situation?

A: Plentiful and free.

 

Q: What is myasthenia gravis?

A: Myasthenia gravis is a rare autoimmune disease that disrupts the communication between nerve and muscles, causing sometimes severe muscle weakness. It can affect the eyes and facial muscles; swallowing and talking; limbs, neck and torso; and even breathing muscles. There are treatments, but no cure.

 

Q: Who is Conquer Myasthenia Gravis?

A: Formerly known as the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of Illinois, Conquer MG has served people who struggle with this challenging disease since 1976 – with programs of support, education, awareness, and research funding.

Oct 22 Seminar – Exercise, Men’s & Women’s Issues and MG

Posted by myasthenia

Sunday, October 22, 2017

FALL SEMINAR

  • Exercise & MG – Speakers Jennifer Ford, PT & Angela Mackowiak, PT

  • Men’s & Women’s MG Issues – Speaker David Randall, DO

 

 Advocate Lutheran General Hospital

1775 Dempster Street

Park Ridge, Illinois

Atrium & Auditorium

Important: Park in the Parking Lot B. This is BEHIND the hospital! 

Use the Children’s Hospital Outpatient Center Entrance.

Directions & Map

 

Among myasthenia gravis patients, concerns about activity vary as much as MG symptoms. Should I exercise? Can I regain my balance? Can I get back to endurance sports? Can I get pregnant? How does MG affect my monthly cycle, or menopause? What about my performance – at work, at the gym, or even in the bedroom?

On October 22, NorthShore University Health System experts David Randall, DO, (neurologist and Assistant Clinical Professor for the University of Chicago), and neurologic physical therapists Jennifer Ford and Angela Mackowiak will address these issues.

Event is free, includes lunch.  A donation of $25 per person (or amount of your choice) would help offset costs.

11:30am – 12:00pm     Registration

12:00pm – 12:40pm     Luncheon

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

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm       Presentations and Discussion

Please register by Tuesday, October 17 to be included in the count for lunch. You can register by clicking the button below. Or call the office at 1-800-888-6208. (Walk-ins are welcome. But your advance notice helps us plan for enough seating and food.)

MG and Vision Issues

Posted by myasthenia

Thomas Mizen MD

Thank you, Neuro-ophthalmologist Thomas Mizen, MD, Rush University Medical Center, for explaining MG vision issues to 65 Spring Meeting attendees on May 4, 2017!

You can see a short clip from Dr. Mizen’s presentation – or the full presentation – on our YouTube channel.

 

Here are highlights from Dr. Mizen’s presentation:

  • In 15% of all patients symptoms and signs are confined to ocular muscles.
  • Only half of patients with ocular myasthenia gravis have detectable muscle antibodies.
  • Ptosis (drooping eyelids) and diplopia (double vision) are common initial symptoms, but the disease remains restricted to ocular muscles in only a minority of patients.
  • Myasthenia gravis with Musk antibodies is not manifested as ocular myasthenia, whereas both acetylcholine receptor and LRP4 antibodies can be found in the ocular subgroup.
  • Each eye is controlled by 6 muscles and 3 nerves. The coordination of eye movement occurs in the brain stem neural integrator controlling these nerves and muscles.
  • When we sleep at night the eyes roll up. In the morning through the process of fusion the two images are brought together to form single binocular vision, seeing one image with two eyes. Throughout the day the eye movement control center maintains fusion to see one object in all positions of gaze
  • Double vision, or diplopia, results when the two eyes are not working together. It can occur as a result of underaction of any of the 6 muscles.
  • Double vision can vary throughout the day. It is worse with fatigue, less with rest.
  • Variability of diplopia also makes a solution difficult. We seek a solution that works the majority of the time. It may require different glasses with different prism for different activities (for instance, one pair for distance, one pair for reading). Ocular symptoms may also respond to treatment with medication.
  • In addition to the eye movements, the eyelid also may be involved with MG (ptosis). Ptosis usually responds to the same intervention as for double vision.