Raising Awareness of MOGAD – Rare Neurological Condition
April is MOGAD Awareness Month, and here at Langley Wellington, it is a cause that is particularly close to our hearts. This year, we are proud to be playing a small part in raising much needed awareness of this chronic condition that affects both children and adults.
What is MOGAD?
MOGAD stands for Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody Disease. It is a rare neuroimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the central nervous system.
MOGAD can affect both children and adults, and symptoms vary and may cause:
- Vision loss (optic neuritis)
- Spinal cord inflammation (transverse myelitis)
- Brain inflammation (ADEM)
- And more
Because MOGAD shares characteristics with other conditions, such as MS and neuromyelitis optica, it is frequently misdiagnosed, which can delay access to the right treatment and support.
The theme of this year’s awareness month, MOGADvocacy®, highlights the power of patients, caregivers, clinicians, and advocates working together to improve outcomes and accelerate research.
Why Awareness Matters
Raising awareness is critical as it helps patients and their loved ones recognise symptoms sooner, encourages medical professionals to consider MOGAD as a possibility earlier in the diagnostic process, and reduces the isolation that comes with being told you have a condition that most people have never heard of. Earlier recognition can also lead to more appropriate treatments.
Awareness campaigns also support the vital research being carried out to better understand the condition, improve treatments, and ultimately improve the outcome for those living with MOGAD.
If you would like to learn more, the MOG Project is an excellent resource dedicated to MOGAD awareness, research, and education: https://mogproject.org/
Why Langley Wellington is Supporting the Cause
This year, supporting MOGAD Awareness Month is personal for our team. A connection close to our firm has been affected by this condition, and we want to do what we can to help raise awareness and contribute to the wider effort to support those living with MOGAD and their families.
Our Fundraising: Bake Sale
As part of this year’s awareness month, the teams at Langley Wellington will be holding a bake sale to raise funds in support of the cause – look out for photos soon!
How You Can Help
There are various ways you can join in and show your support:
- Visit the MOG Project website to learn more about MOGAD and the work being done to support patients and families.
- Share information about MOGAD Awareness Month with your own networks.
- Donate to organisations working in this space to fund ongoing research and support.
Every share, every conversation, and every fundraising act makes a difference. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and for helping us spread the word.
