Living with MG disrupts normalcy, but offers unique perspective

In recognition of Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month in June, the MG Awareness Month campaign features a series of stories highlighting the real-life experiences of people affected by MG, written in their own words. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or X for more stories like this, using the hashtag #MGAwarenessMonth, or read the full series.

I was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis in 2003, after experiencing symptoms — difficulty chewing, trouble lifting my arms, problems walking, and frequent falls — that quickly disrupted my sense of normalcy. At the time, I was living a life filled with the hopes and expectations of my senior year of high school, actively involved in extracurricular activities, and deeply engaged in my church’s youth group.

That diagnosis forced me to confront a new reality defined by unpredictability, fatigue, and limitations I couldn’t control.

Drummer-Fenton, right, takes a selfie with husband Christian and daughter Milah while on a family vacation in Florida.

Over the years, MG has reshaped nearly every aspect of my life. I’ve had to make intentional decisions to preserve my energy: choosing a home with minimal stairs and wider door frames for potential wheelchair access, working in a role that allows flexibility, and being honest with my daughter Milah about what my body can and cannot do. On my best days, I can fully show up for my family and responsibilities. On more difficult days, even the simplest tasks can feel overwhelming. Learning to navigate that uncertainty has been one of my greatest challenges.

Working as a senior claims analyst has given me a unique perspective. I see firsthand how debilitating illnesses can impact people’s lives. Living with MG while witnessing that reality daily has deepened my empathy and reinforced how important it is to advocate, ask questions, and not minimize what you’re experiencing.

MG also reshaped my relationship with movement. As a certified personal trainer and nutrition specialist, I’ve had to redefine what “healthy” looks like for me. Some days, movement is empowering; other days, it’s not possible at all. That lived experience led me to start my business, But I’m Strong, where I support others in finding a version of health that is realistic, flexible, and sustainable.

Through advocacy work with pharmaceutical partners and sharing my story in health spaces, I’ve learned how important it is to speak openly about the parts of MG people don’t always see — the loss of independence, the unpredictability, and the emotional toll. At its worst, MG made me feel helpless. It took away my sense of stability and replaced it with uncertainty.

At the same time, it taught me how to slow down, listen to my body, and give myself grace. It changed how I define strength — not as pushing through, but as knowing when to pause. What keeps me grounded is my faith, along with my support system — my husband Christian, my daughter Milah, my parents, and a close-knit extended family who continue to uplift me.

MG has changed my life in ways I never expected. But it has also given me perspective, purpose, and a deeper appreciation for what it means to live with intention, even in the unknown.