My name is Grace, and I have Myasthenia Gravis. Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder which affects the voluntary muscles in a person’s body such as those that control the face, throat, neck, lungs, limbs and even the bladder. I was diagnosed with MG in March of 2025 after over a year of confusing symptoms and numerous doctor referrals. I cannot accurately say when my symptoms began because MG is incredibly difficult to diagnose and any early symptoms were attributed to severe migraine headaches. The severe symptoms began in June 2024 when I noticed some difficulty swallowing and speech difficulties. After an ER visit, I was given several specialty referrals with no real answers and some doctors even telling me that it was “just anxiety.” Myasthenia Gravis is sometimes called the “Snowflake Disease” because it presents differently in each person. It is rare, affecting between 20 and 37 people per 100,000 and requires a blood test to accurately diagnose. My life with MG looks like chronic fatigue, facial muscle weakness and tightness, difficulty picking up my arms and legs, as well as diminished energy as the day passes.

I try my best not to allow Myasthenia Gravis to dictate my life. Before my diagnosis, MG took a lot from me. I currently hold the position of Membership Experience Director in the Theta Chi Chapter in Fayetteville, NC and my sisters helped me with my responsibilities when I was unable. I am very lucky that my biological sister, Lyli, is also in my chapter and was able to help communicate for me when I had difficulty with my speech. I am an Elementary Music Education Major and was scheduled to graduate this past May. On March 17, 2025, just a few hours after receiving my official diagnosis of Myasthenia Gravis, I went into severe respiratory failure, also known as a Myasthenic Crisis, and nearly died. I was kept in the hospital at Fort Bragg, NC for five days in both the ICU and the cardio-pulminary unit. During my hospitalization, I received life saving medications. I will now need to continue those medications to avoid another life-threatening crisis.

Myasthenia Gravis is an almost completely invisible disability. Slurred speech, flaccid limbs, inability to hold up the neck, difficulty breathing and falling down are all symptoms of a Myasthenic Crisis. These symptoms can easily be mistaken for various other conditions including a stroke or intoxication. A person with MG can be in severe respiratory distress without a pulse oximeter giving a poor reading. The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America is a fantastic resource for learning more about MG in a non-biased setting. They send free resource packets to newly diagnosed MG patients and their families including a card to place in their wallet in the event of an emergency. The card contains vital information including emergency contacts, medications that are taken by the patient, a list of medications to avoid, and a brief summary of what MG is and how it can present in the body.

I want to spread awareness for people like me who live with MG. I am so grateful for this opportunity to share my story. If you have any questions for me or want to know more about my MG journey, please email me at gracemyrick03@gmail.com. ALAM.