7th Annual Myasthenia Gravis Association Lecture.

Venue:Grande Salle

Time:6:30 pm

Topic: Treatments for Myasthenia Gravis Available in Barbados

Speaker: Mr Bandele Serrano, Pharmacist

The Myasthenia Gravis Support Group was founded on December 18, 1999.  The group became a Registered Charity on May 8, 2001 and was renamed The Myasthenia Gravis Association of Barbados.  The Association was launched on Sunday October 21, 2001 at the Church of God in Christ, Laynes Road, Brittons Hill, St. Michael.

The Association has thirty-five active members comprising 16 myasthenics and 19 supporters.  Our aim is to target the other 186 (approximately) diagnosed with the illness in our country.   Anyone could join including all sufferers of MG, caregivers, families of myasthenics, friends, health professionals and concerned individuals.

The meetings of the Association are held on the last Saturday of every other month (bi-monthly) at the Barbados Council for the Disabled, Harambee House, Garrison, St. Michael at 4pm.  For example: January, March, May, July, September, November. These meetings include-

Guest Speakers (medical & motivational)
Sharing of experiences
Presentation of videos
Dissemination of literature on MG
General Discussions
Quizzes
Games

It has been confirmed by our two (2) Neurologists that there are less than one hundred (100) people living with Myasthenia Gravis in Barbados.  We have been using the following avenues to heighten awareness of the illness:
·	The print and electronic media.
·	Distribution of leaflets.
·	Word of mouth
·	Participation in Health Fairs
bearing in mind the Shut-ins or the severely challenged.

Please note that there is socializing after meetings to break the monotony associated with the effects of MG and to build new, additional and meaningful relationships.  So far we have had two (2) picnics, 2 socials at residences and 2 Christmas parties.  We look forward to more extensive socializing and establishing of a fundraising network in the near future.

The programs instituted are geared at:-
(1)	Renewing the confidence and strength and eliminate the isolation, discouragement, boredom and rejection that comes after diagnosis.
(2)	To provide moral and financial support for sufferers of Myasthenia Gravis.
(3)	To assist relatives and friends of Myasthenia Gravis in their effort to preserve the myasthenic quality of life by:-

(a)	Providing a comforting and encouraging environment.
(b)	Offering tips on how to manage Myasthenia Gravis.
(c)	Offering coping strategies.
(d)	Offer ideas for creative living.
(e)	Develop a Referral System.
(f)	Provide a counselor in Neurology to deal with problems faced by Myasthenia Gravis patients.

(4)	To develop through education and research a better understanding of MG thereby improving the lives of all people affected.
(5)	To promote alliances with other MG Associations Internationally which includes sending a representative/s to Myasthenia Gravis and related disorders Conferences and share experiences through newsletters.

Event Information:
April 18th, 2008
Free Event
http://www.fch.org.bb
St. Michael