The Myasthenia Gravis Association of Western PA
Jim Joyce, Executive Director of the Myasthenia Gravis Association of Western PA, was interviewed by Jonny Heartwell for the iHeart Radio Sunday Morning Radio Show to raise awareness about Myasthenia Gravis and promote the 2026 MGA Comedy for a Cause Fundraiser which benefits MGA and is taking place on October 10, 2026.
Welcome to the official Myasthenia Gravis Association of Western PA (MGA) website. MGA was created in 1955 and has a long history of serving those with myasthenia gravis.
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder that can affect a variety of muscles. The struggles for people with MG vary greatly. Symptoms can include difficulty eating, walking, lifting arms, grooming, talking, laughing, smiling, and at the very worst, even breathing. Thankfully, due to relentless efforts to support patients where ever they are with their symptoms, effective community outreach, and the search for new and effective forms of treatment, many patients can still live active fulfilling lives. MG has become a disease that people die with and not from. You can learn more about MG and access materials on our About MG page.
MGA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and relies on community support to continue the important services offered to patients free of charge. Even though MGA is based in Pennsylvania, we regularly assist people all over the world with free materials. Our goal is to provide a higher quality of life to those with MG along the way to helping to find a cure. If you’re new the website and want to see what we have to offer, please view our services.
The mission of The Myasthenia Gravis Association of Western Pennsylvania is to address the medical, social, and emotional needs of all persons affected by Myasthenia Gravis and to disseminate educational information to persons with Myasthenia Gravis, their families, the medical community, and the general public.
The vision of The Myasthenia Gravis Association of Western Pennsylvania is to enable the best possible quality of life of all persons affected by Myasthenia Gravis as long as it exists as an incurable disorder.
MGA is a small but powerful and extremely cost-efficient organization that strives to be a good steward of the generous donations we receive from our supporters. A gift of any amount makes a big difference in our ability to continue treatment and support services to the more than 500 MG patients and their families that we serve every year. There are many ways to give to MGA including designating MGA in your local United Way Campaign, the Combined Federal Campaign or the State Employees Combined Appeal. See codes below.
MGA United Way Codes:
Allegheny #82
Beaver #4861
Butler #5981
Erie # 45146
Mon Valley #1178
Washington # 0082
Westmoreland #1178
