Sunny skies greeted nearly 200 walkers and volunteers for the Second Annual Strides Against MG charity walk on Sunday, June 1, at Berens Park in Elmhurst, Illinois. The walk raised over $11,000 for the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of Illinois, which funds critical research and provides programs of patient education and support.
The event drew participants from all over the Chicago area. Dan Bingley from Rockford came to support his sister and called it “an amazing event!” The Buffalo Soldiers Forever Motorcycle Club of Chicago brought support from the city’s south side and Indiana. June Ballard-Beard of Sugar Grove led Team VI to honor her mother, Violet, who has myasthenia gravis.
The aim of the “Strides Against MG” walk was to raise the public profile of this life-changing disease so individuals can be diagnosed more quickly and treated more effectively.
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease that causes fluctuating weakness. It can affect muscles that control eye movements, eyelids, chewing, swallowing, breathing, coughing and facial expression, as well as the arms and legs. MGF of Illinois has been providing patient support and education and funding research for over 40 years. If you have questions about myasthenia gravis, call MGF of Illinois at 1-800-888-6208.
Kristin Kuhnhofer of Addison and her friend gave their support to myasthenia gravis patients at Sunday’s Strides Against MG Walk in Elmhurst, IL.