ABOUT US
Jane Ellsworth founded the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, Inc. (MGFA) in 1952, when her teenage daughter, Pat, was diagnosed with the rare neuromuscular disease myasthenia gravis (MG). Finding that little information was available, Jane established the MGFA as a foundation whose mission was to have "A World without MG."
Today the MGFA has grown into the largest, leading patient advocacy organization solely dedicated to finding a cure for MG while improving the lives of people living with the disease. More than 70,000 are diagnosed and living with MG in the United States alone. Those with myasthenia suffer with profound, debilitating physical symptoms such as extreme fatigue and muscle weakness that impact a person’s ability to see, swallow, smile, walk or breathe.
MGFA continues Jane Ellsworth's efforts to help patients and their families by funding the most promising research discoveries for better treatments and a cure while providing impactful programs, guidance, and education to help support members of the MG Community.
Learn more about how we support those with MG and work towards a cure.
To stay up to date on myasthenia gravis, join the MGFA mailing list.
OUR MISSION
Our Vision: A World Without MG
Our Mission: Create Connections, Enhance Lives, Improve Care, Cure MG
Our Values
RESPECT: We strive for an inclusive organization that strengthens our ability to fulfill our mission. We support and celebrate diversity of thought and individual experience. We earn trust through consistent demonstration of integrity, ethical behavior, and uncompromising professionalism.
EXCELLENCE: We are committed to excellence in all we do. We are accountable to one another and the public for our decisions on behalf of MGFA and the MG community. Through the judicious use of human and financial resources, we are leading the MG community into a world without MG.
TRANSPARENCY: We support an organizational culture that promotes broad involvement in decision-making, open and direct communication, cooperation and teamwork.
COLLABORATION: We believe that progress is derived from collaboration that emerges from positive relationships in advancing research, education and patient services.
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT: We face every challenge knowing that new solutions will be required to manage the increasingly complex environment in which we operate. We approach our work with creativity to solve the issues that we face personally and professionally.
The MGFA Strategic Plan
MGFA Strategic Plan: 2024 - 2026
The MGFA Strategic Plan formerly outlines the organization's key priorities and areas of unprecedented growth opportunities for 2024 through 2026. This plan was thoughtfully and collaboratively developed by members of the MGFA staff and Board of Directors with critical insights and feedback given from the MG Community, including individuals diagnosed with MG, caregivers, medical professionals and researchers, industry and biotech companies, and a variety of stakeholders. The strategic plan serves as the roadmap that directs the organization’s operational work, goals, and planned outcomes through fiscal year 2026. Feel free to read our Strategic Plan Summary HERE.
MGFA 2021 – 2023 Strategic Plan Results and Outcomes
MGFA executed on a comprehensive strategic plan from 2021 through 2023 that led to unprecedented growth opportunities, significant grant funding increases, improved educational materials and resources, and saw the advent and continuation of events and opportunities to convene all members of the global MG Community. We are proud of our hard work and positive outcomes that have greatly impacted the myasthenia gravis experience. Review our past plan and results HERE.
Mission Delivery Strategies:
- Create a robust resource network to improve access and enhance lives for those with MG.
- Build a nationwide support network for those affected by MG.
- Spearhead and support promising research on MG.
- Improve time to diagnosis and care for MG through professional education, diagnostic tools and outreach.
- Raise awareness about MG through advocacy, communications and education.
We invite you to learn more about our work, our impact, and the compelling stories of those that we serve by viewing our MG Awareness Video.