|
|
|
| For additional information on the
link above the picture. Click on the picture for a larger
view.
Garden
State Chapter's Board Players
Just a note of thanks… The Garden State Chapter would like to thank the Mental Health Players for coordinating and presenting 3 MG skits held on March 11, 2001, at the Mercer County Library for our General Meeting. For those of you who were unable to attend, the skits addressed the social aspects of Myasthenia Gravis (MG), such as misdiagnosis and patient responsibility. The meeting was open ended, meaning, open for discussion and I am pleased to report that many participated in the discussion. The Mental Health Players consist of: Johanna Haag Cynthia Douglas Mary Jean Palko Alma L. Day Thanks again for a wonderful presentation!
The day was hot, scorching some would say, reaching the mid-nineties on an early May day. But heat did not deter walkers from participating in the Third Annual Myasthenia Gravis Walk-A-Thon, making the event even more successful than years past.
This year, the Walk-A-Thon raised approximately $20,000! This would be impossible without your continuing help and contributions. The Foundation thanks you for the overwhelming response and support to this cause. Next year, let’s exceed our expectations!
Wayne Township has become a true ally in the fight against MG! For three years the town has supported this event, including the Mayor, Councilmen, Wayne Firefighters and Wayne Police Officers. But the community itself has also proved to be of great support, including Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Packanack Lake Community and surrounding Towns. The Walk-A-Thon would not be possible without everyone’s support!
I am pleased to report that other MG chapters are following our lead regarding the MG Walk-A-Thon, and are also having great success. As I look into the future, I foresee a National MG Walk-A-Thon. If you can help us bring this event national, we would greatly appreciate your efforts.
On a personal note, sometimes it is hard for me to believe that this Walk-A-Thon was conceived while I was in the hospital, weak and tired due to MG back in January of 1998. But it was. At a moment of weakness, though I admit being depressed, I decided to take control of an uncontrollable situation. Now look what one simple idea can do. We can raise money and awareness, but I need your continuing help! LET’S WALK TO A CURE!!!
Kelley Haughey
Of the 120 golfers who registered for this year’s event, 110 showed up on a stormy morning at the Stanton Ridge Golf & Country Club in Stanton, New Jersey to enjoy a day of golf and to show their support in our fight against MG. The early rain and lightning let up just before noon and our enthusiastic golfers were hopeful they would get in a full round of golf. However, the weatherman would not cooperate and after three or four holes the skies opened up and heavy rains ended any chance of golf. Everyone, despite their obvious disappointment, gathered for a late afternoon and early evening of fellowship that included a cocktail reception and buffet dinner which was followed with a post dinner raffle and live auction. During the dinner, the management of Stanton Ridge announced their plan to give all golfers a free round of golf. This wonderful display of goodwill thrilled all our golfers and is greatly appreciated by the Garden State Chapter and the event staff and volunteers. The Garden State Chapter is truly indebted to all of the sponsors listed on the following pages. Their generosity will enable our Chapter to continue its mission in providing patient services, MG research funding, and creating an awareness of MG throughout the State of New Jersey.
At the November membership meeting of the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation's Garden State Chapter, a plaque was presented to Ruth Sampson to acknowledge her many years of service to the Chapter. In addition to her years as a member of the Board of Directors, Ruth also served as Chair of the Chapter's Nurses Advisory Board. Of all her contributions, the one that will be long remembered by patients suffering from myasthenic gravis, was her many personal consultations with MG patients who sought information about the disease and how to cope with it. Ruth was in a unique position professionally and personally to be able to give this advice as she is a registered nurse and she herself has been coping with myasthenia gravis for many years.
"Edward M. O'Mara, Development Director for the Garden State Chapter of the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation, accepts a Proclamation proclaiming June as MG Month throughout the Borough of Hightstown from Mayor Amy I. Aughenbaugh. The Chapter has been successful in obtaining Proclamations from Acting Governor Donald T. DiFrancesco and many Mayors around New Jersey as a way of creating an awareness of Myasthenia Gravis among the general public." Sincerely, Edward M. O'Mara Development Director
Date this page was updated: 04/11/2008 18:24
|
