3 ways to create awareness in this month that recognizes MG
Personal approaches to education, involvement, and advocacy can yield benefits
It’s crazy to think that I’m approaching my 30th month of writing my column, “The Whispered Roar,” for Myasthenia Gravis News, as well as my seventh year of raising awareness for myasthenia gravis (MG). Over the years, I’ve grown quite comfortable sharing my story, so I thought I’d share a few ideas on how to pass on awareness with those in your own network.
Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or know someone with MG, here are three effective ways to raise awareness and make a difference for this June’s Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month.
Educate your community
Start small with conversations at a coffee shop or diner. The next time you’re sipping your latte at the local café, strike up a conversation about MG. Share your personal story, explain what MG is, and discuss the challenges faced by those living with it. You might be surprised by how receptive people can be when they learn about a condition they likely haven’t heard of before. Need an icebreaker? Try wearing a pin or a T-shirt that simply says, “Ask me about MG.”
Don’t shy away from discussing MG in broader forums, such as the ones right here on MG News. If you’re comfortable with engaging a larger audience, try reaching out to local media outlets, such as newspapers, radio stations, and TV channels. Share your experiences, highlight key legislation related to MG, and emphasize the need for increased awareness. Consider writing an opinion piece or letter to the editor to amplify your message.
There’s also social media. Love it or hate it, dozens of social media platforms provide an opportunity to share stories and raise awareness. Don’t be afraid to leverage that power. Post informative content about MG in small and easy to understand snippets or offer personal anecdotes.
Get involved in MG Awareness Month
Join the global MG community in taking action during June. One of the reasons MG has been called a snowflake disease is because of the individualized and unique presentation of symptoms. When lots of snowflakes get together, a blizzard is created.
A similar phenomenon happens when all those affected by MG begin discussing how it impacts them. One voice, one snowflake, becomes amplified, and the rare disease that no one has heard of is suddenly visible.
Be a visual advocate
Some people like to get creative with their awareness antics and decorate their home as they would for any other holiday. Lawn signs, for example, are easy enough to acquire by creating or downloading a poster-size MG awareness sign and getting it printed at your local print shop. Display it prominently outside your home or office. Passersby will notice, and they might just stop and ask questions to learn about MG. It’s a simple yet effective way to spark curiosity and conversations.
Every voice, every effort, counts. Those of us affected by MG are all different. Our lived experiences are different. By sharing, educating, participating, and visually advocating, you’re contributing to a world where MG is better understood and supported.
Help me turn awareness into action and leave a lasting impression! Which of these activities are you going to participate or engage in? Please share in the comments below.
Note: Myasthenia Gravis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health 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. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Myasthenia Gravis News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to myasthenia gravis.
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John Miller
I was diagnosed with Myasthenia about 20 years ago. Then a few years also diagnosed with dystonia symptoms, so it has complicated which condition is causing different symptoms. I was wandering if any one else has been diagnosed with both of these.