"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." -- Margaret Mead
The Connecticut "Nutmeg" State Chapter, a volunteer-managed organization, headquartered in Connecticut, is proud to serve myasthenics and their families from the great New England states of Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine, and Vermont. For 36 years, we have been blessed with caring and responsive supporters who have truly helped changed the lives of hundreds of people throughout the nation and even the world.
Our Chapter was founded in 1973 by the Union Baptist Church, under the auspices of Samuel Thomas, in order to assist one of their congregation who had been newly diagnosed with MG. The first of the Chapter's "offices" was, in fact, located in the church. Mr. Thomas remained as Chairperson for over 15 years.
Along the way, numerous volunteers have stepped up to run support groups, hold fundraising events, and procure much-needed publicity for this little-known disease. Throughout the years, we have been honored by both the State of Connecticut and the National MGFA with many awards. Notably, a Chapter of the Year Award in 2001, and a Lifetime Achievement Award for our own "Mr. Myasthenia," Abraham "Irving" Beck, in 2005, were exciting for all of us.
We host regular support group meetings, publish a quarterly newsletter, and maintain a "telephone pen-pal" database, MG PALS, for those who may want to seek the one-on-one support of a myasthenic in a nearby town. We have enjoyed summer picnics and other activities which offered our members the chance to interact and seek the support of each other. Our Annual Meeting, held every autumn, is an opportunity for the entire membership to meet, sometimes featuring keynote speakers who have a special interest in myasthenia gravis. Educating medical professionals through our attendance at conferences and schools is also a top priority.
The Nutmeg Chapter's dedicated volunteers strive to fulfill our mission of improving the quality of life for all people affected by myasthenia gravis, through the raising of public awareness, providing and promoting education of patients, their families and healthcare professionals. The vision of the Chapter is "A World Without Myasthenia Gravis."
Please feel free to contact us via email or telephone, for more information on our Chapter.
The Connecticut "Nutmeg" State Chapter of the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, Inc. P.O. Box 91 Clinton CT 06043-0091 Our phone number is: (203)556-5012
E-mail is conn@myasthenia.org