Strides Against MG Walk 2017 – Photos

Walkers eagerly kick off the 2017 Strides Against MG Walk.

Walkers eagerly kick off the 2017 Strides Against MG Walk.

The 5th Annual Strides Against MG Walk welcomed 230 participants on Sunday, June 4, at Berens Park in Elmhurst, Illinois.  The walk raised $26,000 for Conquer Myasthenia Gravis, a nonprofit organization that funds MG patient assistance and research, and provides patient education and support.

“Last year I was in the hospital with MG (myasthenia gravis), so it feels great to be here today,” commented Sara Hasemeyer (below, second from left). Her husband Matt appreciated the upbeat tone of the day, noting, “When we walked into the local support group, we were the youngest ones. This is entirely different.”

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Kathy Tijerina volunteered for this year’s event, despite struggling with MG symptoms of weakness. Overwhelmed by the Walk’s upbeat spirit, she said, “Next year I’m bringing my whole family!”

Board chair Bob Rosecrans explained the name of the organization, Conquer Myasthenia Gravis, or Conquer MG for short, “reflects our desire to wipe out this rare autoimmune disease.” Check out the walk photos below! For lots more walk pictures, visit our Facebook page, Conquer Myasthenia Gravis.

 

THANK YOU, WALK SPONSORS!

Platinum Sponsor

Briova logo

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsors
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 First Eagle logo - blk

WALK PHOTOS

Janet Bauer’s team was ready to Conquer MG!

Janet Bauer’s team was ready to Conquer MG!

Steve Litwitz, (center - with mustache & blond locks) and family are ready to conquer MG like Vikings.

Steve Litwitz, (center – with mustache & blond locks) and family are ready to conquer MG like Vikings.

Sophia gives grandmother Vi a hug.

Sophia gives grandmother Vi a hug.

Peter Wincentsen entertains the crowd.

Peter Wincentsen entertains the crowd.

The Park Place Pacers, led by Peggy Cashman (4th from left) support the cause.

The Park Place Pacers, led by Peggy Cashman (4th from left) support the cause.

Bob Ratzel offers up Connie's Crunchie cookies for sale.

Bob Ratzel offers up Connie’s Crunchie cookies for sale.

This guy came ready to race!

This guy came ready to race!

One walker was sidetracked by bubbles.

One walker was sidetracked by bubbles.

For lots more walk pictures, visit our Facebook page, Conquer Myasthenia Gravis.

Strides Against MG Walk 2017 – Register Now!

MG Strides 2017

Year 5 for STRIDES AGAINST MG Walk!

Get ready for a family-friendly celebration with bubbles and hula hoops as we walk side by side to show our support for those affected by myasthenia gravis.

ABOUT THE WALK

Family-Friendly Walk & Kids’ Dash

Sunday, June 4, 2017

Registration begins at 8:00 a.m.

Announcements begin at 8:30 a.m.

Kids Dash begins at 8:45 a.m.

Walk begins at 9:00 a.m.

This is an untimed walk. Add to the fun with your own creative accessories and team signs!

WHERE

Berens Park, 493 Oaklawn Avenue

Elmhurst, IL 60126

REGISTRATION FEE

$30 per person

$35 on walk day

$10 per child under age 12

REGISTER BY MAY 9 to ensure you get a t-shirt and that it’s the right size. Youth Medium and Men’s sizes up to 3X available. If you need a different size, register and call us before May 9.

When you register online, you can electronically sign an event waiver for yourself. Waiver signatures for anyone else you sign up will be gathered at the event.

Register button

To register by mail, click here to print a 2017walkform.

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

Click FAQs for fundraising web pages – 2017 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 2016 walk on our Facebook page.

Trivia Night Fundraiser! – February 11!

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Are you smarter than a 5th grader? Prove it!

Saturday, February 11, 2017

Elmhurst American Legion

310 W. Butterfield Road, Elmhurst, Illinois

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

$20 per person (4-person teams); 8 people to a table

Tables are limited, so register without delay!

CASH BAR * BYO PACKAGED SNACKS * 50/50 RAFFLE

Fun prizes, and a trophy for the winning team!

Creative team names, accessories, and decor encouraged

To register online, click:

Register button

Or call Joan @ 800-888-6208 to pay with your credit card by phone

Proceeds help Conquer MG serve myasthenia gravis patients.

Thanks to our Sponsor!

Prizes and emcee services provided by

J. S. White & Associates, LLC

Got a Question? We’ve Got an Answer

Q: What if I don’t have a team of 4?

A: Join us anyway – whether you have a team of 3 or 6 or 8!

 

Q: Do I have to register in advance?

A: It helps us seat friends next to friends. But we’ll take your money at the door, too.

 

Q: How can I pay the $20 per person registration fee?

A: You have options:

  1. Use your credit card online at https://myastheniagravis.org/trivia-night-fundraiser-february-11/. The online portal closes at 5pm Friday, February 10.
  2. Mail or drop off a check to our office by Friday, February 10. Make it payable to Conquer MG, 275 N. York St., Suite 401, Elmhurst IL 60126.
  3. 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. $15 of every $20 registration 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 ($1.75) and mixed drinks ($4.00).

 

Q: Your flyer says to bring snacks?

A: No food is sold at the bar (nada – we mean it). So feel free to bring your own! Chips, dip, fruit plates, whatever! (Just leave the crockpots at home.)

 

Q: Did you say “prizes”?

A: Door prizes between rounds! You’ll have 8 chances to win. A trophy and prize for the winning team, bragging rights for the teams who come in 2nd and 3rd, medals for the best team name (be creative!), 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.