We have some new faces on our board and one of them happens to be one that will put a smile on your face! Graham Naasz, DDS, is a dentist in the Overland Park, KS area who became interested in myasthenia gravis after a close mentor of his actually had the diagnosis. We are honored to have Dr. Naasz on our board and believe he will bring a fresh perspective to the MGA.
Meet Dr. Naasz:
What is your name? Where are you from?
GN: My name is Graham Naasz and I am from Kansas City, born and raised. I grew up in Overland Park and now call downtown Overland Park home.
What is your role in the MG community?
GN: I am a new addition as a member of the MGA Board of Directors but have participated in various events over the past 4 years. I am also a dentist here in Kansas City.
Can you tell us a little bit about your profession and how it relates to myasthenia gravis?
GN: Being a dentist, I deal with all things mouth-related, not just the teeth. Therefore, dentists have a unique ability to spot some of the early signs of MG onset symptoms. Facial drooping, hypoactive lips, and slurred speech are common first signs that a dentist is able to notice during your bi-yearly check-ups. There are also treatment modifications that need to be made to better accommodate patients with MG, as well as oral appliances that we can make that can help elevate the soft palate to help improve speech if necessary.
How long have you been involved with the MGA?
GN: I first started my engagement 4 years ago with the Triple Crown 5K and have been involved ever since.
What drove you to support the MGA community?
GN: I was fortunate enough to have an incredible mentor through dental school that also was battling MG. Dr. Jake McGuire was a true inspiration of what a great man and friend could be, and had a way of impacting every person with which he interacted. I support the MGA community to honor the memory and continue the legacy of such an impactful man.
What are your favorite aspects of being involved with the MGA/working with MG patients?
GN: I love hearing the “little” success stories. Too often we focus on the “big” results or milestones and neglect to truly celebrate the day-to-day accomplishments and strives forward. Hearing the excitement of someone describing the improvements of their everyday lives is the highlight for me.
Prior to your involvement with the MGA, had you heard of myasthenia gravis?
GN: Prior to my interaction with Dr. McGuire, I had never really heard of myasthenia gravis. Most physiology/pathology classes cover it briefly in their rare disease sections, but that is about it. We learn it is a rare disease and there is no cure at this time but no in-depth study is provided.
What have you learned as a result of being involved with the MGA? Has myasthenia gravis, the MGA, and/or MG patients impacted your own life?
GN: What I have learned the most is a true appreciation for the inspiring fortitude of patients with MG; the sheer force of will and strength demonstrated to not just push through boundaries, but the emotional strength to share their experiences with others. Their highs, lows, and everything in-between. It is a true community. Everyone shows up for each other through the good and bad, and is each other’s biggest advocate. It really is inspiring.
What are you looking forward to in 2022 as a board member for the MGA?
GN: I am most looking forward to ways that I can lend a different side of treatment/thinking to the board. I spent most of my undergraduate career at KU Endowment working on their Student Endowment Board, so I am excited to lend support in whatever way possible. 2022 is set up to be an incredible year for the MGA!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I am honored to serve on the Board and do not take the position lightly. I look forward to meeting you all, and would love to hear any ideas or insights!
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