In-Focus Advertorial | Published July 21, 2025
LIVONIA — Myasthenia gravis is a rare autoimmune disorder that causes weakness and sudden fatigue of muscles under voluntary control. It’s a communication breakdown between nerves and muscles that can result in a droopy eyelid or mouth, weakness in the arms and legs, or even shortness of breath and difficulty swallowing.
Living with myasthenia gravis has its challenges but it doesn’t have to mean an end to, well, living.
On Aug. 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of Michigan will host a regional summit and resource fair at Schoolcraft College’s Vistatech Center in Livonia. Registration is now open for this chance to meet, listen and speak with myasthenia gravis patients and caregivers, and get the latest updates from specialists in the area.
Colette Arnold, 66, of Lathrup Village, learned she had myasthenia gravis in 1994. She said she sought answers herself that led to an official diagnosis after her ophthalmologist failed to pinpoint the cause of her droopy eyelid and double vision that affected her ability to drive, among other things.
Arnold will speak to those in attendance at the Aug. 9 event as part of a patient peer wisdom panel.
“I want to let them know that they need to know their body. Try to find a doctor that will listen to you,” Arnold said. “You need to research and find out what you might experience. That’s what I did. I read a lot. Even though that’s not going to tell you everything, I was prepared for some things.”
More than 30 years after her diagnosis, she continues to offer support for those living with myasthenia gravis.
“I don’t want to just say deal with it, but just deal with it. I won’t let it overcome me. I know all the things that could happen. I was determined this was not going to happen. I never stopped doing things. It may have been a struggle sometimes doing some things. Just don’t give up. Keep fighting. One of the goals we have with is that we are warriors. We are going to continue to fight. Do not let it beat us,” Arnold said.
To register for the summit and resource fair, click on the event link at mg-mi.org or call (616) 956-0622.