We recently interviewed Larry and Dana Paxson, our Wichita Support Group Leaders who have been the integral part of developing our Wichita awareness event. Speaking of which, our MGA Snowflake Shuffle 0.1K is tomorrow, Saturday June 10th from 10:30-1pm at the Linwood Recreation Center in Wichita. You can still attend by registering at the door.
How long have involved with the Myasthenia Gravis Association?
Larry: About 12 years.
Dana: We started a fundraiser for MGA over 10 years ago because it was a way to raise more awareness in our community and it’s a way we can give back to help more patients through the association. The association does so much to help and Larry and I wanted to help contribute to that cause.
What made you become involved?
Larry: The patients. We've met some great people and learned from all their stories. Also being able to help spread valuable information.
What is your favorite thing about being a support group leader/volunteer/driver of the Snowflake Shuffle?
Dana: My favorite thing about being a leader is not so much learning and teaching but we are a family. Our support group is our MG family. We love these people and we have a bond because we have so much in common.
What’s one thing you’d like people to know about myasthenia gravis?
Larry: It's livable with the right treatment with some adjustments.
Dana: The one thing I would tell people is from a caregiver point of view is find the right neurologist to help you and then find a good support system whether it’s online or in a group. You need to connect with the right people to help you manage and learn from. And have a whole lot of patience because it’s not curable.
Anything else you’d like to share about your group?
Larry: They are a great bunch of people that support each other emotionally and share their experiences.
Dana: Our group is our lifeline to be able to connect with and after all of these years together we are a family. I could not ever see us not being a part of a support group. We felt all alone in the beginning of this disease, and we were scared. We are truly blessed and grateful that Dennis Wise san my message on Facebook and reached out to us. He was our lifeline at a very scary time in our life. We came to Kansas City a lot for meetings and events to learn as much as we could.
See you tomorrow at the MGA Snowflake Shuffle 0.1K!
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