All together with Isabella Curtis
On October 5, 2025, Isabella Curtis will undertake a daring venture: to swim across the Gulf of Groikos in Patmos.
Isabella’s goal is to raise funds for the Hellenic Myasthenia Gravis Association (H-MGA). The initiative is not simply a daring physical achievement; it is much more an act of conscience and love for those suffering from myasthenia gravis — a rare but serious and often “invisible” disease.
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder in which the immune system attacks the acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, hindering the transmission of signals from the nerves to the muscles. This results in muscle weakness and easy fatigue—symptoms that worsen with activity and improve with rest. It often initially manifests as drooping eyelids, double vision, difficulty speaking or swallowing, and weakness in the arms and legs. Although there is still no universal cure, treatments (medication, immunosuppressants, plasmapheresis, and in some cases thymectomy) can significantly improve patients’ quality of life. In Greece, the incidence of MG is estimated to range between 10 and 20 cases per 100,000 people, while older studies reported approximately 70 cases per million (70.63/10^6) for seropositive forms.
The Hellenic Myasthenia Gravis Association (Hellenic Myasthenia Gravis Association — H-MGA) was founded in September 2008 by a small group of patients and scientists with the aim of informing, supporting, promoting, and empowering the community of sufferers. Today, the association has approximately 600 members, offices at the Hellenic Pasteur Institute, and is an active member of European networks such as EuMGA and Eurordis. Its mission includes providing reliable information about the disease, guidance and psychological support to patients and families, as well as raising awareness among the general public and healthcare professionals.
Isabella’s initiative has multiple levels of significance. Beyond the straightforward effort to raise funds, it aims to raise awareness of MG and change perceptions of “invisible” illnesses — those where someone may not “look” sick, but struggles daily with fatigue and muscle exhaustion. Her decision to wear a mask and snorkel and swim front crawl to better alternate muscle use highlights the care needed to combine a love of the sea with safety and energy management. Every donation made through the campaign page is valuable: it aims to strengthen the work of H-MGA so that the association can continue to support patients, organize awareness-raising activities, and—as Isabella dreams—hold a nationwide conference on myasthenia gravis in 2026, an event that will bring together patients, doctors, and researchers.
The link where you can make a donation is:
https://whydonate.com/fundraising/kolympo-gia-to-syllogoy-myasthenon-ellado-h-mga
Let’s join forces, let’s support this important initiative and, above all, let’s send a message that no matter how “invisible” a disease may be, it should not be silent.
You can watch the video of the completion of the effort here!
