Program areas at MGFA
Evaluating, Funding, and Disseminating Critical Research: Funding of high impact MG research at prominent universities and medical institutions, including leveraging funds in collaboration with strategic partners, such as the American Brain Foundation and MGNet, to bring new scientists to MG research through fellowships, funding pilot grants and special projects. MGFA maintains the only global MG patient registry, which has grown to include nearly 3,500 participants. MGFA sponsors an annual scientific session in conjunction with AANEM, attracting over 250 attendees. MGFA sponsors an International Conference every 3 years which attracts leading MG researchers from all over the world, attracting over 350 attendees. MGFA provides information to 40,000 plus constituents about research initiatives and progress when appropriate.
Information, Education and Support: MGFA provides material, information and referral, and education and support programs to help people manage the challenges of living with myasthenia gravis. MGFA is a national organization that supports the delivery of programs and services through a myriad of channels including a network of approximately 85 support groups, Partners in MG Care and a number of other networks nationwide. The MGFA website is one of the organization's greatest resources and is a premier source of information. MGFA also hosts a number of live and interactive educational forums, including 18 wellness and research webinars as well as hosted eight Community Health Fairs in various US cities for MG patients and caregivers to interact, obtain information and learn about MG research and treatment developments from MG experts and corporate industry leaders. MGFA annually hosts a National Patient Conference, a gathering of the MG Community which features MG research updates, patient stories, news about MG treatments and discoveries and many exciting educational topics to help patients and caregivers manage their MG journey. MGFA has also developed an Online Community platform which is a one-of-a-kind virtual neighborhood where the MG Community can connect, share ideas and discoveries and access MG-specific educational materials such as live broadcasts, webinars and information libraries in one place. MGFA also maintains an extensive website which provides patients and caregivers with educational content and news as well as Facebook page to promote awareness and the Organization's educational mission.
Awareness and Advocacy: MGFA provides over 20 educational brochures on topics important to people living with MG, free of charge to patients and the public. In addition, MGFA provides a professional manual, and other important educational information, for health care professionals. The MGFA conducts an annual awareness campaign, June MG Awareness Month, reaching out through our support groups, an awareness toolkit for all who are interested in raising awareness of MG in their communities, press releases, posters and promotion in social media.