Inspiring! The 15th Annual Coraggio Award is presented to Yolanda Colette Arnold who refuses myasthenia gravis to define what gives her meaning in life and with courage determinedly works toward a life full of family, friends, faith, and encouraging others! The Coraggio Spirit Award is annually presented to a recipient who embodies the Coraggio theme: that With Courage You Can persevere and resiliently lead a life of purpose and joy.
Yolanda Colette Arnold celebrated a milestone last year: 30 years of living strong with myasthenia gravis (MG). After her ophthalmologist failed to determine the cause of droopy eyelids and double vision that affected her ability to drive to work, church, and family events, she used the Coraggio principle of believing there is an aspect of a dire health challenge over which you have control. She took charge by diligently seeking answers on her own until her efforts led to a diagnosis. This “take charge” philosophy fueled her continued search for work-arounds to help her to serve for more than a decade as a clerk at the high-traffic Wayne Court Probate court, raise her son, be active in her church and large family, and inspire others. She constantly thanks God for the good health aspects she has.
In fulfilling her courageous and positive mindset to encourage others, she recently appeared as a panelist for two large, in person MG panel presentations, sharing her personal story, tips for knowing your body and working with your doctor, and answers to questions. She is frequently found participating in MG-MI virtual events, always offering words to assure others not to give up, to keep fighting, and like a warrior not let MG beat them. For Colette’s determination not to allow MG defeat her drive to live a meaningful life and for her grateful purpose of encouraging others to not give up with ideas to try instead, she is warmly and wholeheartedly awarded MG-MI’s 2025 Coraggio Spirit award!
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