Jack Passwaters has been a good friend of MG-MI. He became involved with the organization in 1977 when a next-door neighbor living with MG recognized his quiet but dependable leadership qualities and invited him to join our Board of Trustees. He served on the board for over 17 years.
Jack also participated in awareness programs, our Christmas parties and picnics, our fundraising events, the 1994 MGFA annual meetings held in Grand Rapids, and even took personal days off work to attend meetings that brought in federal campaign funds.
We are grateful for his service to the MG community.
Erik Rayford of Detroit received the 2026 Coraggio Spirit Award at MG-MI’s 10th Annual Patient Education Conference in Novi. The award recognizes someone who embodies the Coraggio theme: persevering with courage to lead a life of purpose and joy.
After mobility problems disrupted his career as a bank examiner, Erik spent a year consulting specialists before being diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG). He continues to take charge, meeting each day with a bright smile and enjoying a vibrant life with family and friends.
Erik and his wife, Ann, share their MG journey on panels across Michigan. Through support-group meetings and MG-MI virtual events, he encourages others to explore treatments and work-arounds—and not let MG beat them. His determination and generous support of others make him a worthy recipient of MG-MI’s 2026 Coraggio Spirit Award.
Also pictured are MG-MI Board President Susan Woolner, Co-Founder Esther Land, and board member Lisa Gigliotti.
The 2026 Volunteers of the Year Award was presented to Leanne, Nancy, and Mark Hosking, who for more than 16 years have supported people with myasthenia gravis in metropolitan Detroit through education, fundraising, and community.
Leanne was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis in 2010 while working as a district court clerk after graduating from MSU. Soon after, the whole family attended their first Detroit area Myasthenia Gravis Association support meeting. Leanne has since made an estimated 500 trips to the University of Michigan for infusions or plasmapheresis, often driven by Mark, with her family’s constant support. Despite fluctuating symptoms and two recent hospitalizations, she continues to work as a court clerk at the downtown Detroit federal courthouse.
Mark ran regular support meetings with Nancy’s help and led golf fundraisers for five years, with the whole family joining walk-runs and other events. After the pandemic and the dissolution of the Detroit Association, Mark helped transition patient support to MG-MI, personally calling past attendees. Today, Mark, Leanne, and Nancy secure a no-cost venue and help run the thriving Macomb Regional quarterly support meetings.
Their volunteerism is truly extraordinary! On behalf of MG-MI, thank you for your dedication and immeasurable contributions to MG patients in SE Michigan and beyond.
Dr. Evelyn P. Navarro received a special award for 50 years of service to MG-MI at the MG-MI 50th Anniversary Celebration on August 20, 2026.
Dr. John R. Visser was also presented with a special award for 50 years of service to MG-MI.
Also receiving special awards for 50 years of service to MG-MI and who attended the first annual meeting in 1977 were Sue E. Higgs, Elida Williams, and Cathy Wassenar.
