Myasthenia Gravis (MG) patient Mel McRoberts is preparing to run the Presque Isle Marathon in Erie Pennsylvania on September 12, 2010. Mel’s primary focus is simple. His main concern is people with MG who may never run a marathon, “It's you I'm especially concerned about. I realize I don't have MG as bad as many of you. I run now because I can; and my thoughts will be with you every step of the way! Be encouraged, you're not in this alone. I run for you!” Prior to being diagnosed with MG, Mel McRoberts was an avid runner. He ran the Presque Isle Marathon in 2004 with a time of 4 hours and 31 minutes. However, when myasthenia gravis entered his life, Mel never thought the possibility of running was in his future.
It took about four months to obtain an accurate diagnosis and receive proper treatment. In December 2006, Mel’s wife Marlene commented that his left eyelid was drooping. The couple was on their way to Maryland and the farther they went the more the lid drooped. Sensing something was wrong; a detour was made at a chain store vision center. Interestingly, the immediate preliminary diagnosis was myasthenia gravis. Mel and Marlene headed home to the office of the primary care physician. From there, he was referred to a regular eye doctor who was stumped by the symptoms. The eye doctor referred Mel to a neurologist who recommended a referral to The Myasthenia Gravis Association of Western Pennsylvania. A number of tests were run and prescriptions were issued before the final diagnosis was confirmed. Even with the medications, grave muscle weakness was evident from the test results.
Mel finds frustration with MG symptoms. At early onset, his eyelid closed completely and when it opened a couple of days later, he had double vision. His fingers, especially on the left hand were drooping. He would drag his left foot and sometimes drop dishes or cups. Mel felt worn out and exhausted. He had always exercised and now he was reduced to simply making it through the day. Mel says, “To this day I don't hold babies unless I'm sitting down!”
Mel is grateful for the referral to The Myasthenia Gravis Association of Western Pennsylvania (MGA) where he now serves on the Board of Directors. The organization provides the support and encouragement he needs for his life to return to some type of normalcy. Ginny, the organization’s nurse and Treatment Center Coordinator, has always been just an email or phone call away. Mel is a pastor and remembers ministering to an individual that resulted in spending the night in a hospital with the family of a stroke victim. Mel’s feet swelled considerably and he could not get his shoes on. Mel remembers calling Ginny. And, without an appointment, he was examined at MGA’s Treatment Center.
Mel has listed several reasons for running this particular marathon this year:
- To run for those with myasthenia gravis who cannot and in their honor.
- To raise awareness of the low incident, chronic, autoimmune disorder myasthenia gravis
- To generate funds for the Myasthenia Gravis Association of Western Pennsylvania and support the important work that is critical to this community
- To rise to another challenge in his life while he still can. (One never knows if the MG might worsen)
- To demonstrate that "While I have MG, MG doesn't have me!"
MG causes grave muscle weakness. Yet, Mel has chosen to run a marathon instead of a shorter distance event. Mel states, “I've always been more of a distance runner. I seem to pick up my pace after a few miles. I find that the greater the challenge, the greater satisfaction in reaching the finish line. I want to make a statement to inspire fellow MG patients. I've already run 15 miles in two and a half hours for my long run in training. I know, God being my helper, I can run eleven more. I don't know how fatigued I will get running a marathon.” Mel chose the Erie marathon because the weather is also a factor. Heat is no friend to MG patients. Hopefully, it will be a nice cool day in September when he runs. Additionally, Presque Isle is flatter than most courses and it is scheduled in September when it will be cooler. And, Mel has experienced finishing this course before. This time, more than finishing for self fulfillment, he finishes to inspire his fellow MG patients.Please support Mel while he supports people with myasthenia gravis by making a donation in his honor and to this inspirational cause today.