We have the data, we have the conversations and we have the activities to show the exceptional increase in contact that has occurred as a result of the many awareness activities that happened in Australia in 2026.
The MAA were very focused on the Art With Heart campaign. It ran for a six month period culminating in a record number of donations ensuring significantly more website traffic, broader community support and engagement, and lots of fun thanks to the bidding process.
The MAA express sincere thanks to all the contributors, to the bidders and to the volunteers who worked tirelessly to make this project happen. Particular thanks is given to our key artists Hermann Pakel, Chris Searle and Lyn Church, who initiated this project and remained firm supporters throughout all three campaigns.
Queensland awareness activities in 2026 were hugely varied with awesome results. Many structures across the State lit up in teal colours throughout the month of June. A “Walk for Myasthenia Gravis Awareness” happened in Brisbane city. This was a first time event! It was community lead with over 100 people participating. Townsville’s Cowboys Rugby Club went all out to endorse the awareness month even getting media involved.
New South Wales hosted a special event inviting Paralympian, wheelchair rugby player, Richard Voris to speak. Richard has MG and still achieves so much! Such an inspiration. The lunch event brought together patients and their families, both long-time members and a few new people who could share their journey and connect with fellow patients in person.
Beanies were made and distributed by our nine year old Victorian patient and many more gatherings and activities were hosted across the country. If anyone is still to share details of their event the MAA would be keen to receive an email or two!
We are aware that many people struggle to understand the depth of work conducted by the MAA. Please let us thank everyone for this tremendous engagement across the full range of activities. Be assured that this wide ranging connection assists the MAA so very much in the work that we do.
It supports us as we engage internationally, as we work with Pharmaceutical Companies assuring them that our patient community does indeed encourage the huge investment required to bring new and innovative products to this country, it gives researchers confidence that their work can be effective, it shows government that our united voice is strong and meaningful! Even Health Minister Butler referenced the significant work that is undertaken by patient communities and thanked the MAA for giving this patient group a strong voice. It also makes day-to day living easier for individuals if more people learn something about life with myasthenia.
TOGETHER WE ARE STRONG! TOGETHER WE LEAD A BETTER LIFE!
The efforts of our State Associations in providing ‘on the ground support’ have been fundamental in this MG community engagement. This has been invaluable as MAA works to advance national agenda items.
Again, the MAA thank each and everyone who gave of their time, who told a story, who purchased an art piece and so much more. 2026 has been a great year for awareness!