Newswise — The San Francisco Giants, legendary Giants Broadcaster Mike Krukow and The Myositis Association will come together to educate Giants’ fans about inclusion-body myositis on Sunday, September 20, when the Giants face the Arizona Diamondbacks at AT&T Park at 1:05 p.m. PT.
Krukow will be joined in a pre-game ceremony on the field by other patients living with inclusion-body myositis (IBM), a degenerative muscle disease that causes progressive weakening in the legs, feet, arms and hands, to share his journey since being diagnosed with IBM nine years ago.
An estimated 50,000-75,000 Americans live with myositis, and about 30,000 of those have IBM, according to The Myositis Association — an education, support, research and advocacy organization. No one understands why the autoimmune disease attacks specific muscle groups, causing them to deteriorate. There is no cure. IBM is not considered life threatening, but could eventually confine Krukow and others afflicted with IBM to a wheelchair. Krukow says he hopes sharing his story will help others better understand IBM and give support to those living with it.
Fans will also have the opportunity to donate to The Myositis Association in honor of Krukow and all myositis patients throughout the game by texting KRUKOW to 27722. The following day, September 21, is National Myositis Awareness Day.
About The Myositis Association
The Myositis Association provides information and support to the myositis community and physicians who treat patients with the disease. TMA also funds researchers searching for better treatments and a cure for the debilitating disease. Its member and patient network spans the globe.
The mission of TMA is to 1) provide support to myositis patients and their families, 2) provide connections between TMA’s Medical Advisory Board and general medical and patient communities and 3) increase funding to support myositis research. If you feel you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of myositis, consult with your physician for diagnosis, and visit http://www.myositis.org for more information to help manage the disease.
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