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.
See PRESS COVERAGE in the CHICAGO TRIBUNE! And MY SUBURBAN LIFE!
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.
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.”
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).