In this blog, we are excited to highlight Dorothy, a dedicated poll worker and myasthenia gravis (MG) warrior. Dorothy has been living with ocular MG for over a year, and despite the challenges that come with the condition, she continues to serve her community as a poll worker during elections. In this interview, Dorothy shares her experience with MG, her passion for civic duty, and how she balances volunteering with managing her symptoms. Her story is a true testament to resilience and the power of community engagement.
Can you tell us a little bit about your experience with myasthenia gravis? When were you diagnosed, and how has it impacted your daily life?
A little over a year ago my eyes started drooping, but I was sure it wasn’t a stroke. I couldn’t get an appointment with my doctor, but I could see my eye doctor quickly. He saw a stye, and treated it, but I started seeing double vertically when looking at a distance. He contacted a specialist, who told me to get the test for the antibodies. My MG is ocular, so far, and hopefully will stay that way. If I’m tired or forget my meds my eyes will droop, but fortunately no seeing double. I just need to get off the steroids soon.
What inspired you to volunteer as a poll worker for this upcoming election? Have you done similar work in the past?
I have been working as a poll worker since I retired from teaching 11 years ago. I’ve always thought it is our civic duty to vote. The most challenging experience was in 2020, in Douglas County. Our great county clerk, Jamie Shew, opened multiple early voting sites, and we trained poll workers to staff them. He put out a call for volunteers because he wanted to ensure every poll was fully staffed, with backups in case anyone contracted COVID. People of all ages stepped up to help to making sure everyone could cast their vote.
What challenges, if any, do you anticipate facing as a poll worker while managing your MG symptoms?
We work from 6:00 in the morning until 8:00 or more at night. When I get tired, my eyes can start drooping, but I worked the presidential primary, and the regular primary and did fine.
How do you plan to manage your symptoms during the long hours of poll work? Any strategies or tips for balancing volunteerism and MG?
Mostly I will just take breaks when I can and make sure I don’t forget my meds. I put all kinds of reminders to pack my meds.
What motivates you to be involved in the election process, and why do you think it’s important for people with MG or other chronic illnesses to participate in civic duties?
When I first was diagnosed, I thought my world was going to shrink, but I was determined to get better and try and carry on my usual busy life. My daughter helped me. She has a much worse autoimmune disease, MS.
Are there any accommodations that you’ve requested to make your role as a poll worker more manageable with MG? How has your local election office responded to those needs?
I haven’t needed anything, since mine is ocular and under control with meds.
What advice would you give to someone with MG who is interested in volunteering for events like this but may be concerned about the physical or emotional demands?
If you have generalized MG and you want to work an election, check to see if your county clerk has half day shifts. In my county people can opt for that. It’s not physically demanding for the most part, and you can request to not have to put up signs, which is really the most physical part of the job. You're not working alone.
What do you hope to take away from this experience as a poll worker? Are there any particular moments or interactions you’re looking forward to?
I love working with my fellow workers, who are often the same people I’ve worked with before. Our poll is at a student center next to Haskell Indian Nations University. It’s a beautiful building. The director and her student workers make cookies and coffee for the us and the voters. I also work in my local precinct, so I get to see many of my neighbors, which is a nice bonus.
As someone living with a rare condition, do you think volunteering for civic duties helps raise awareness about MG? How do you feel your participation might inspire others with chronic illnesses?
I know that my fellow workers learned about this disease from myself. Some remember the ads they see on tv. I talk about it and explain what it’s about, so more people understand what it is.
Do you have any words of encouragement or advice for those in the MG community who might want to get involved in local elections or volunteer in their communities?
I know that those of you with generalized MG face challenges I don’t, but getting out and engaging with others through volunteer work is truly good for the soul. The people you work with in these settings are typically kind and empathetic, so you won’t face judgment. Volunteering is great for your mental health, and since mental and physical health are closely linked, it can positively impact your overall well-being.
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