This support program will provide a safe environment for teenagers with MG to discuss their disease with peers under the guidance of a Supportive Coach. It is of great importance that young people who are diagnosed with any chronic disease have a strong support system in place. Our Myasthenia Gravis Teenage Support Group will provide teens with the coping skills necessary to meet the myriad challenges of MG. A traditional support group is inaccessible to most teenagers with MG because they are few in number and live throughout the country. Thus, the online support group is an innovative way of solving this unique challenge.

Online support is not expected nor intended to treat more serious issues that would require face-to-face, formal psychotherapy.

The first group will meet Tuesday, December 13, 2011; space is limited. Please contact us if you want to join the group. We are already making plans for a second group.

When the afternoon yielded to evening and the excitement of the day was behind me, my thoughts turned to Rachel.

Rachel has been studying in England for the past three years. She will graduate later this month. I recalled that she was adamant about going to the school of her choice which just happened to be in London, England! I was filled with trepidation and confess a bit worried about how she would manage being so far away at school because of her MG. Thus, with the help of her doctors, we took every reasonable precaution to provide for any care that she might require regarding MG while studying abroad.

Rachel embarked on her academic career with all of the enthusiasm expected of an eighteen year old. We were somewhat concerned about the baggage weight restriction on her maiden journey across the Atlantic because she was weighted down with vials of Mestinon tablets to get her through her first semester! Once settled in, she managed to take the bus, tube and an occasional taxi everywhere that each college student frequents. MG did not deter her from the experience of attending college abroad and all  of the adventures that go along with being a college student.

As I reflected on the 4th of July, I realized that Rachel had indeed attained her own independence. She does not refrain from nor is she deterred from doing anything and everything that she possibly can. She gained her independence by a strong will and incorporating good judgment along with her arsenal of MG medications!

My point is this; Rachel does not allow MG to stand in the way of living life – her way. She is an independent young woman and a soon to be college graduate! I am very proud of her.

We are dedicated to helping teenagers with Myasthenia Gravis. Whether you are personally affected by Myasthenia Gravis or have a family member, friend, or an acquaintance who confronts this disease, we all have a reason to hope for a world without this debilitating neuromuscular disease.

I’d like to share some of our goals.

• Provide an online MG teenage support group.
• Establish a transportation stipend program to help teenagers with MG attend school and treatment.
• A $10,000 Grant for a Myasthenia Gravis Teenage Needs Assessment Study.

Please make your Online Donation today by clicking Donate in the right side panel!

Your 2011 tax deductible gift is greatly appreciated.

• $25 – Friend
• $50 –  Sponsor
• $100 –  Patron
• $1,200 – Silver Benefactor – Provides funding for the Transportation Stipend.
• $3,800 – Gold Benefactor – Provides funding for the Teenage Support Group.
• $10,000 – Platinum Benefactor – Provides the funds needed for one grant.
• Your choice – $ ______. No gift is too small; each and every gift is sincerely appreciated.

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/default.htm

Occasionally, the FDA may issue a label change on a medication. This is their February 2011 List that includes medications that may exacerbate Myasthenia Gravis:

Risk of fluoroquinolone-associated Myasthenia Gravis Exacerbation February 2011 Label Changes for Fluoroquinolones

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/ucm247115.htm

You may also visit the Levaquin (Levoflaxacin) website for complete details:

http://www.levaquin.com/

Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.