The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of California (MGFC) provides funds to advance the most promising research into the cause and cure of myasthenia gravis at prestigious universities and medical centers. Our foundation focuses on public and professional education through information and referral services, seminars for health care providers, and media coverage.
Founded in 1954, (until 1995, our name was the California Chapter of the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation), we are the only voluntary health organization in California solely focused on the cause of myasthenia gravis (MG).
With the ultimate goal of curing myasthenia gravis, we provide funding for medical education, patient support, and scientific research. Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of California is a grassroots organization whereby 200 volunteers assist two paid staff in carrying out the services offered by the organization to help serve myasthenia gravis patients residing in California and Nevada with the best possible care and resources available.
Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of California is directed by a Medical Advisory Board comprised of preeminent researchers and clinicians from California's top scientific and medical institutions.
MGFC Is governed by a Board of (volunteer) Directors, comprised of interested individuals from the corporate sector, as well as, those from the community-at-large; several of whom are myasthenia gravis patients.
For more than 50 years, the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of California has been a trusted resource in the education and support of men, women and children who are afflicted with myasthenia gravis. Our only source of support is donations; we receive no government funding. Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of California sponsors medical education seminars for health care providers and funds research into the cause and cure of this disease. We are incorporated in California and headquartered in Los Angeles. Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of California is registered with the IRS as a 501(c) (3) organization and our federal tax-identification number is 95-4562470.
We envision a world without myasthenia gravis.
Our call to action is to eliminate myasthenia gravis through the advancement of research into its cause and cure while enhancing care and support of patients and their families. Our programs follow our mission and we aim to:
Please Note: The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of California does not provide medical advice. The contents of this website are for information purposes only and are not intended as a substitute for professional medical counsel. Your physician should be the primary source of medical care for your myasthenia gravis.
Since most people have never heard of myasthenia gravis until they or a loved one are diagnosed with it, public awareness of this disease is vitally important. The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of California operates on a grassroots model and depends on volunteers to accomplish most of the tasks associated with its mission. There are two important ways a person can volunteer to increase awareness of myasthenia gravis in his or her community:
Service clubs, such as the Kiwanis, Rotary Club or Optimist International, offer a unique opportunity to educate others about myasthenia gravis. Securing a speaking engagement with a service club promotes awareness of myasthenia gravis in a very caring, active and far-reaching segment of one's community.
Many newspapers have sections that focus on health issues. Radio programs or cable television shows may also have an interest in medical concerns of its listeners. By contacting your local media, you can learn of opportunities for publicity and you may even be encouraged to share your own myasthenia gravis story. (Samples of past newspaper articles and shows focusing on myasthenia gravis are available)
Volunteers and staff of the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of California (MGFC) encourage all efforts to secure greater public awareness about the disease. Informational brochures are available upon request. If you prefer, myasthenia gravis representatives can make the presentation to your local service clubs or will assist you in doing so. At your request, myasthenia gravis press kits will be sent to your local media contacts.
Contact Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of California at: (800) 574-7884 or (323) 887-0056.
6055 E. Washington Blvd.
Suite #350
Los Angeles, California 90040
Phone: (323) 887-0056