About Us
About Myasthenia Gravis Association
Our History
For over 60 years, the Myasthenia Gravis Association (MGA) has been a lifeline for individuals impacted by Myasthenia Gravis (MG) in Kansas, Missouri, and Northwest Arkansas. What began as a small group of dedicated individuals has grown into a trusted health-services nonprofit organization, providing education, advocacy, and support for thousands of patients and their families.
A Mission Rooted in Experience
In 1954, while serving as missionaries in West Africa, Joan and Rev. William Stackhouse encountered a life-changing challenge—Joan was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis. Their journey led them back to New York, where Joan discovered the MG Foundation of America. Shortly after, the couple relocated to Kansas City, where access to specialized MG care was limited.
Determined to make a difference, Joan set her sights on forming a local association. With the support of their church community at Southridge Presbyterian Church in Mission, Kansas, the groundwork for MGA was laid in 1960.
Joan soon met Cecile Wu, another individual living with MG, and together they—along with the help of local physicians—brought MGA to life.
Establishing Support & Care
By 1962, Joan and Dr. William Wu, MGA’s first Medical Advisory Board Chair, helped establish the first MG outpatient clinic at Menorah Medical Center, directed by Dr. Dewey Ziegler. Dr. Ronald Youmans later took over leadership in 1964, securing a dedicated MGA office space within the hospital.
Recognizing the financial burden of MG treatments, MGA developed a Drug Bank in collaboration with the Menorah Pharmacy, ensuring that patients had access to necessary, yet costly, medications.
In a time when MG treatment options were limited, public awareness was scarce, and many faced fear and uncertainty, MGA prioritized:
✔ Increasing public awareness
✔ Providing professional education
✔ Connecting patients with knowledgeable neurologists
✔ Offering critical support, resources, and information
Expanding Our Reach
Over the decades, MGA continued to evolve, growing in resources, partnerships, and reach. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, MGA successfully expanded virtual services, allowing patients to access support groups, educational programs, and consultations remotely—reaching even more individuals in need.
Today, MGA works closely with key MG care centers across our region, including:
St. Luke’s Hospital – Kansas City
University of Kansas Medical Center
SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital
Lake Regional Hospital
University of Missouri Medical Center
These partnerships ensure that individuals with MG receive specialized care, access to expert neurologists, and continued support services through MGA.
Our Commitment Today
What started as a small community-driven effort has grown into a trusted nonprofit, committed to helping individuals at every stage of their MG journey. We continue to advocate for patients, provide education, and foster connections—ensuring no one faces MG alone.
➡ Learn more about our team, board of directors, and medical advisory committee.
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