Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America Inc.

Almost two years ago, I was diagnosed with the ocular form of Myasthenia Gravis (MG), an autoimmune disease characterized by weakness and rapid fatigue of any of the muscles under your voluntary control. In MG, the body's immune system attacks the connection between the nerves and the muscles, limiting the ability of the brain to control muscle movement. Patients become unable to see, smile, walk, talk and breathe - things we take for granted every day.

On a daily basis, I live with drooping eyelids and double vision, symptoms that fluctuate constantly, but are manageable through medical treatments like steroids and infusions. Learning to live with ocular MG has been a true test of my strength and patience and I remain incredibly fortunate that my disease remains concentrated in my eyes only.

On November 11, I will be running my first-ever half marathon at the Fort Worth Marathon on behalf of my fellow MG patients. So many of them cannot find the strength to even get out of bed, and I am so grateful to have the mobility and muscle strength to run for them.

Money raised will contribute to necessary testing and research that is needed to fully understand all aspects of this rare disease. Thank you for supporting me and my fellow Myasthenia Gravis patients as we continuously work to raise awareness and find a cure. 

To learn more, please visit: www.myasthenia.org 

Love,
Allison