Linda MacMullen has been living with a rare autoimmune Disease called Myasthenia Gravis. She was diagnosed over 24 years ago but had symptoms much longer. Some of the symptoms include double/ blurry vision, muscle weakness that gets worse with use and may improve some with rest. It can affect your breathing, swallowing, drooping eyelids and weakness in arms and legs.
It can be very difficult to diagnose. People often feel totally isolated by this disease. Myasthenia Gravis Society of Canada is a non-profit organization that offers support to individuals, care givers and family members living with this disease.
There are new drugs to treat this disease and improve quality of life. Unfortunately they are not approved in all provinces. People in B.C. are not able to access these drugs as B.C. doesn鈥檛 allow the compassionate program, even though they have been approved in Canada. It is sad that people in other provinces are able to access these drugs but MacMullen is not.
June is Myasthenia Gravis Awareness month. We are trying to raise awareness through various activities.
One such activity is an awareness walk at Woodcote Park in Courtenay on June 15, 2025. The event starts at 9:30 a.m. and goes until about 2:00 p.m.. There will also be BBQ hot dogs, water and some cookies for sale.
