The 4th Annual Strides Against MG Walk welcomed 250 participants on Sunday, June 5, at Berens Park in Elmhurst, Illinois.  The walk raised $21,000 for Conquer Myasthenia Gravis, a nonprofit organization that funds MG patient assistance and research, and provides patient education and support.

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The walk drew participants from all over the Chicago area. “This is our first time, and we can’t wait for next year,” noted Milwaukee resident Tiffany Rivera. Her four children, including a daughter who suffers with MG, enjoyed bubbles, hula hoops, and face painting along with the walk.

Bubbles and hula hoops were part of the family-friendly event.

After spending much of last summer in the hospital, Mike Brady was glad to meet others at the event who struggle with MG. “I’m grateful I have a doctor who really understands MG. I wish others were as lucky.”

Mike Brady (left) with teammate Lewis at the Strides Walk

The organization, formerly known as the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of Illinois, unveiled its new name and logo for the crowd, too.  “We’re now called Conquer Myasthenia Gravis, or Conquer MG for short,” announced board chair Bob Rosecrans. “The new name reflects our desire to wipe out this rare autoimmune disease. Our logo clarifies the region we serve face-to-face:  Illinois, northwest Indiana, and southeast Wisconsin.”

To see all the Walk photos, visit the Conquer Myasthenia Gravis Facebook page. A selection of photos is below.

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease that causes fluctuating weakness. It can affect muscles that control eye movements, eyelids, chewing, swallowing, breathing, coughing and facial expression, as well as the arms and legs.  Conquer MG has been providing patient support and education and funding research for over 40 years.  If you have questions about myasthenia gravis, call 800-888-6208 or find us on Facebook (Conquer Myasthenia Gravis).

Janet Bauer’s team gives a team thanks to Director Joan Wincentsen

Checking out the raffle table

Support from the Buffalo Soldiers

Perrone’s Parade offers support for the 4th year in a row

Team Serene

Wonderful volunteer support from the Volpe family

Face painting by Kathy

Heidi, Jim and Sophia

On June 5, 2016, the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of Illinois became known as Conquer Myasthenia Gravis (Conquer MG for short).

Why? With this change we are updating our look to reflect our active, forward-thinking, patient-centered focus. It communicates our vision to wipe out MG, and our goal to provide expanded services in Illinois, northwest Indiana, and southeast Wisconsin. Though our face-to-face services have a local reach, we also serve as a national resource to people with MG.

What will change? Only our name. As Conquer MG, we remain rooted in our mission, as an independent nonprofit organization. Our website URL remains www.myastheniagravis.org.

What is the mission? In short, to help MG patients and their families through programs of support, education, awareness raising, and research funding.