The Jim L. Walker, Arizona Chapter of the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation was originally founded in 1972 by Peggy Marquard. It has grown from 16 members at that first meeting to just over 900 members, many afflicted with MG, but many also without the disease, who simply care and want to help.

Jim Walker was among the 16 people to attend this first meeting. Officers were elected and the first steps were taken to become an 'Official Chapter'. Later that same year the charter of the Arizona Chapter of the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation was approved and Jim Walker operated the business and services that were provided by the chapter.
In 1996 Jim retired, and the Board of Directors at that time unanimously approved to change the chapter name to The Jim L. Walker, Arizona Chapter of the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation.

Jim passed away on March 21st, 2000, and though he suffered for years from the effects of myasthenia gravis, he never complained or got angry. He just got things done. He spent many hours volunteering for the Arizona Chapter- making calls, organizing fund-raisers, preparing mailings, answering questions, and doing whatever he could to educate people about this disease and help those afflicted by it.

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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Chairman
Trevor Lloyd
[email protected]

Vice Chairman
Mary Jane McLain

2nd Vice Chairman
Stephen Borski
[email protected]

Treasurer
Irma Moreno
[email protected]

Consultant
Edward C. Kaps
[email protected]

Medical Advisory Board
Chairman
Dr. Todd Levine
[email protected]

Nurses Advisory Board
Chairperson
Marilyn Ricci, RN
[email protected]

In the fall of 2000 our office moved to a new complex in Mesa.
Our normal office hours are from 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m Monday-Thursday. If you plan on visiting us, please call ahead as there are times we may be out of the office during these hours.
Please feel free to call if you need assistance or just would like to chat..

Our new address and phone number:

• Jim L. Walker Arizona Chapter Myasthenia Gravis Foundation
  935 E. Main Street Suite 206
  Mesa, AZ 85203
• Phone: (480) 464 - 9648
• Fax: (480) 464 - 9754
• Toll Free: (877) 347 - 7905
• Email: [email protected]
  Sonya Watkins,
  Executive Director
• Office Email: [email protected]
  Chris Budwill
  Office Manager
  

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Support Groups are available as a response to the needs of those suffering from MG. They offer an excellent opportunity to share coping techniques, build moral and learn more about this disease. When you attend a support group meeting you can learn from other MG patients about their experineces. We encourage you to invite family members or friends to attend meetings with you.

Each Group decides where and how often it will meet. We have active groups in various parts of the state.

• Tucson/Southern Arizona
  Contact Jim & Jan LoVecchio for further information.
  (520)889-2910
  or
  email them at [email protected]
  
  
  
• North Central Valley
  Contact Vicki Case for further information.
  (602)285-1509
  or
  email her at [email protected]
  
  
  
• Northwest Valley including Sun City & Sun City West
  Contact Greg & Christina Jackson for further information.
  (623) -334-8014
  or
  email them at [email protected]
  
  
  
• North Valley including Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, and Paradise Valley
  We are in need of a Leader for this Support Group. If interested please contact our office at (480) 464-9648.
  
  
  
• East Valley including Tempe, Mesa, Chandler and Gilbert
  We have 2 Support Groups for this area.
  Contact David Shapiro for further information.
  (480)-895-9091
  or
  email him at [email protected]
  
  Peggy Marquard also has an East Valley support group for members who can meet during the day time weekday hours.
  Contact her at (480) 461-8786
  or
  email her at [email protected]
  
  
  
• Northern Arizona including Flagstaff.
  Contact Rachel Adam at (520) 523-7642 for further information or
  email her 2 [email protected]