Office Hours: Monday 11am-4pm, Wednesday 9am–4pm, and Friday 11am-4 pm (Hours may vary. In case of bad weather, if the Tulsa &/or Union Public Schools are closed, so is the OKMGF office.)
Trustees: DeAnna Cooper, Ed. D. Jennifer Morris Kay Northcutt, D. Min. Tianna Rogers Carolyn Staubach, R.N. Peggy Foust, President Margret Feller, Vice-President/ Treasurer
Office Staff: Peggy Foust, Executive Director Margret Feller MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Oklahoma Chapter of the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, Inc. is to provide education and patient services to improve the lives of all people affected by MG and to promote awareness of the disease myasthenia gravis.
MG can strike anyone at any age, though it is not contagious. It is a potential killer. However, with early diagnosis and proper medical treatment, the disease can usually be controlled, and in most cases, the patient can lead a normal life. Symptoms include: drooping eyelids, double vision, with difficulty in smiling, speaking and swallowing, weakness of arms and legs, when chest muscles are affected breathing is difficult and ever-present, extreme fatigue.
Since the Oklahoma Chapter of the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, Inc. (OKMGF) was created in 1981, its main objective has been to be patient service oriented. We have always offered a listening ear and a lending hand. The Oklahoma Chapter serves the entire state of Oklahoma and limited surrounding areas. Our purpose is to educate Myasthenics and their families so they may deal with the disease and to support research to ultimately defeat MG.
The OKMGF provides free MG literature to all patients, family members, health care professionals, to schools/libraries and to the public at large. The Chapter sends out lengthy newsletters quarterly. We participate in fund raising activities and health fairs to further public awareness and education. We offer patient support group meetings held in Tulsa at St. Francis Hospital in their Education Center and in Oklahoma Citywhere meetings are held at the Central Oklahoma Cancer Conference Center, next ti Integris Southwest Hospital. The Chapter provides emergency indigent patient prescription assistance (as long as funds are available) and referral services.
As a self-sustaining not-for-profit organization, we depend on financial assistance from patients, their families, friends and from outside donations. We invite you to support us with your tax-deductible donations, as the Oklahoma MGF is a 501.C.3 non-profit organization. To continue and expand our services, fund-raising events are held throughout the year. Annual membership dues of $20 per person bring in additional needed revenue.
The Oklahoma Chapter of the MGFA is proud to be a member of the Community Health Charities of Oklahoma. We also participate in the Combined Federal Campaigns (CFC) throughout the state.
Campaign numbers for CFC campaigns are:
The Oklahoma Chapter has been evaluated by the Tulsa Better Business Bureau. Read the Tulsa BBB evaluation at http://www.bbb.org/tulsa/business-reviews/charity-soliciting-locally/myasthenia-gravis-foundation-of-america-inc-oklahoma-chapter-23000117 for more details of the Chapter’s operation and finances.
Our IRS 2010 Form 990 is available on GuideStar, to veiw go to Guidestar.org, you can register for free with at GuideStar.org (https://commerce.guidestar.org/GuideStar/newaccount.aspx). Registering will allow you to view the three most recent Forms 990's for this organization. There is no charge for viewing the 990s.
Important services of our chapter:
Distribution of literature to new patients and their family members. a. MGF Patient Handbook b. an extensive reprint and brochures library c. quarterly newsletters - The "Hovak" and MGFA National newsletters d. Tape Library, patient-oriented Films Many support group meetings are held with medical professionalsa as speakers. Meetings provide MG presentations on topics of interest to the myasthenic; a support system through meetings, where patients and their families meet regularly to better understand and cope with the disease. Open, informal discussions are an important part of this group. A support system through meetings, phone calls, letters, and cards. Referral of physicians interested in treating Myasthenia Gravis. An indigent patient assistance program. To create more public awareness: a. by participation in health fairs b. distribution of informational videos and literature to area libraries and local emergency ambulance services c. increase awareness of OKMGF Chapter in the medical community.