NEWARK, NJ - Celeste Bateman & Associates (CB&A) , in association with the Garden State Chapter, Inc. – Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, hosted their annual Jazz Tea for Myasthenia Gravis on Saturday, August 23, 2008. The event, a fundraiser for the Foundation located in Wayne, New Jersey, was held at the IDT Building in downtown Newark, NJ. (See photoes from the event in our Photo Gallery)
Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is “…a chronic disabling autoimmune, neuromuscular disease of severe, crippling weakness of voluntary muscles,” according to the Garden State Chapter, Inc. newsletter, MG Flash. “MG is characterized by general muscle weakness and excessive fatigue. In severe cases the disease can involve respiratory muscles, causing potentially life-threatening respiratory failure,” according to the publication.
Celeste Bateman, President, Celeste Bateman & Associates was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis in December 2002. The annua tea provides an opportunity to inform the public about this little-known autoimmune disease that affects approximately 15 in 100,000 people in the United States.
The guest speaker was chiropractic physician Dr. Tashia S. Hilliard, founder of the Hilliard Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Union, New Jersey. Jazz drummer Rudy Walker performed with his Quartet. In addition to the music and sumptuous buffet, actor Jamil Mangan and performance poet Aqueelah Shaheed presented readings and recitations. There were hats for sale by Lorraine’s For Women Only, jewelry and other treasures from Oshunlade from the Bronx and fabulous door prizes. There was also a display of unique, antique and whimsical teapots courtesy Edna Bailey Woody who has been collecting teapots for over 25 years.
The goal of the Garden State Chapter, Inc. - Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, is to create full awareness of MG throughout the medical community and the public at large. The organization hosts several fundraisers a year, including a Walk-A-Thon in May, a golf tournament in August and a Sit-A-Thon in September. Proceeds from the Tea will benefit the Garden State Chapter, Inc. for research and education. For information regarding next yea’rs tea scheduled for September 2009, call (973) 705-8253.