Thanks for joining Painting for Kicks on Rare Disease
Day
We came together with NFL running back Dexter Williams, his mother, Cheryl,
and the rest of the MG community to tell our collective MG stories using art. Check out
highlights of the event in the videos below, and then get started creating your own art.
My MG Solemates spotlight: Dexter and Cheryl Williams
Green Bay Packers running back Dexter Williams has always been close with his mother, Cheryl,
as he pursued his lifelong dream of playing in the NFL. But her MG diagnosis brought them
closer together.
They are each a rock for the other. Dexter uses his mother’s battle with MG to fuel his NFL
career, while Cheryl uses his football journey as a reason to keep fighting. It’s why Dexter
represented MG for this year’s My Cause My Cleats program and continues to advocate
for the MG community today.
MG Solemates in action
Members of the MG community show off how they use art to tell their MG stories. Check out this video to get some inspiration for your own artwork!
Dexter and Cheryl Williams interview
NFL running back Dexter Williams and his mother, Cheryl, sit down to discuss their journey with MG and what makes them MG Solemates.
Marcus “Soles By Sir” Rivero interview
Shoe designer Marcus “Soles By Sir” Rivero tells us how he began crafting custom cleats for professional athletes to show that anyone can create art.
If you are part of the MG community, you have an important story to tell.
My MG Solemates uses art to express the stories of everyone in the MG community. It doesn’t
matter if you’re an accomplished artist or haven’t painted anything since grade
school—powerful stories can be told through all levels of art.
How to participate in My MG Solemates
1
Get involved
Sign up and invite your family, supporter or MG support group to participate with you, or
participate on your own. Every voice matters!
2
Choose your canvas
It can be a pair of shoes, a hat, a shirt or something else! You can also print one of our
templates from the art kit or draw your own. Whatever you choose can help tell your
story.
3
Tell your story
When you sign up you’ll receive some instructions
and inspirational Story Starters to help with your design. Paint or draw your MG story, and
then take a photo of your art and share it on social media with the #myMGsolemates
hashtag.
See how other My MG Solemates have shared their stories, and get inspired to share yours.
My MG Solemates Gallery
“My family being there for me was just a tremendous aid.”
Tommy Louisiana
“MG has been an uphill battle, but a pleasant one because I’ve made it that
way.”
Niki
Wisconsin
“It’s great to use my creative energy to help try and bring more calm, less stress,
more healing.”
Alesheia Michigan
“Through sharing your story, you just never know who’s going to jump on your team
with you.”
Greg Massachusetts
“Life with my son Jackson has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my MG
journey.”
Mike West Virginia
“Art is definitely therapy to me. It’s soothing to sit down and create.”
@Edtheartist My MG Sole Resident Artist
“I really like art. It's something that helped soothe me when I, like, am stressed
out, and it's something that I love to do and I’ve always done.”
Abby
Massachusetts
“My life has changed drastically since being diagnosed with myasthenia
gravis, but I’m learning to adapt.”
Alicia New York
“We have just completed our MG Sole art project, decorating our shoes and I
definitely channeled my inner artistry and my mother would be very proud
of me.”
Lauren and Dave South Carolina
“I was stoked. Dude, who doesn’t love playing with paint? It’s
awesome.”
Rachel
Texas
“When I first heard about this project, I was really excited because any type of
creative outlet I think is always good.”
Jessica Florida
“The right shoe, on the other hand will still be colorful and lovely, but the colors
will be subtler pastels.”
DaDonna
Florida
“Thankfully, I have a very supportive spouse and family and friends.”
Dawn
Georgia
“I choose to find the good in each day.”
Alexis
Georgia
“When I heard about MG Sole, I thought this is perfect.”
Kelsey
Kansas
