Why should I give to MGA? (Myasthenia Gravis Association)
Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is an auto immune disease that is characterised by fluctuating, sometimes fatal muscle weakness. The body’s immune system, in the form of antibodies, attacks and damages the nerve signal reception areas causing a breakdown in communication between the nerve and the muscle, which results in loss of effectiveness of the muscle.

What does this mean?
To someone affected by MG it means symptoms vary according to the amount of activity undergone, the onset of infection and stress of any kind. As a result, the diagnosis by a GP is very difficult. Also family and friends need a great deal of understanding to come to terms with a relative or friend who seems perfectly normal one moment, and a few hours, or even minutes later is droopy and listless.

Activities taken for granted by most of us become difficult or even impossible at times for Myasthenics. Simple things like eating food, lifting arms, speaking to friends or laughing! Sufferers often find themselves isolated and alone, unable to travel.

What will my donation be used for?
The Myasthenia Gravis Association is a charity with a nationwide network of local branches and regional field workers with three main aims: to provide care and education for people with MG and their relatives, to support UK research to improve diagnosis and treatment, and to raise public and medical awareness of this often neglected disorder.

Recent research has resulted in more understanding and better management of the disease but there is still no cure! Indications from the MGA supported research centre at Oxford are that if we can keep up momentum, a breakthrough will come in the not too distant future. So there is a great need for more funds to carry on the work of supporting Myasthenics and funding research.