Below you’ll find some information that MG-MI provided about themselves for the MG community.

When was MG-MI founded, and how did it get its start?

MG-MI was founded in 1976 by Esther Land, who lived with myasthenia gravis for 15 years before knowing anyone else with the disease. She started the foundation because she wanted people living with MG in our state to have resources, support and a group advocating for them. 

How many people does MG-MI serve?

We have about 1,000 members in our database, but we have reached nearly 1,600 in the MG community in Michigan through our email and social media outreach, as well as through our events and advocacy work.

Where does MG-MI operate?

MG-MI proudly serves the state of Michigan and we are headquartered in Grand Rapids, MI.

What resources does your advocacy organization provide to its members, and what can a new member expect when they join?

We provide a new patient packet to all new members that includes helpful brochures and a range of resources. We also host support groups, virtual and in-person events and an annual patient education conference. Additionally, we publish a quarterly newsletter, provide support at medical clinics monthly and correspond with individual members.

What is the best way for people who are living with MG in your state to get in touch with your advocacy organization's leaders so they can get involved?

We invite anyone living with MG—or anyone caring for someone with MG—who would like to get involved in our organization or needs support to email us at info@mg-mi.org or call (616) 956-0622. We would love to hear from you.

Are caregivers among your organization’s membership?

Yes, about 250 members in our database are caregivers of some sort: family members, medical personnel or other interested parties who help support people with MG.

What are ways that people can contribute to your advocacy organization? Do you have any urgent needs?

We would greatly appreciate anyone wishing to volunteer with us, and there are so many ways to help. MG-MI could use assistance in the office and with fundraising activities, or in the planning and organization of support group meetings. Please reach right out!

Does MG-MI host any annual events to raise awareness?

We host our Annual MG Patient Education Conference in the fall and always welcome new faces. Members of the MG community can find details on this and other upcoming events, as well as a listing of our support group meetings, on our MG-MI Events page.

What is the most important message your advocacy organization has for someone who is living with MG?

We are here to walk beside you on your MG journey.

How have the needs of MG-MI and its members changed over time?

The most noticeable change over the years has been the increase in the number of patients that need support.

What is one thing that makes your advocacy organization stand out?

We pride ourselves on responding to inquiries within 24 hours. 

Is there anything you wish more people knew about MG-MI?

With an estimated 2,000 patients with MG in the state of Michigan, we really want people living with this disease or those caring for someone with MG to know that the organization exists and that support from MG-MI is available.