MyoCon! Rate increases on August 28th!
Looking for a fun way to connect with others while supporting The Myositis Association (TMA)? TMA’s Fantasy Football leagues offer the perfect combination of friendly competition, community engagement, and fundraising for a great cause.
What began as the vision of TMA member Marv Lauwasser, who was diagnosed with inclusion body myositis in 2008, has grown into a successful annual tradition that brings together people with myositis, family members, friends, and football fans from across the country. Marv originally established the leagues as traditional fantasy football competitions before transforming them into a charitable fundraising effort benefiting TMA. As the physical challenges of myositis made it more difficult for him to continue serving as commissioner, Marv passed leadership responsibilities to his longtime friend Alan Horowitz, who now administers the leagues while Marv remains involved as an advisor.
Today, team owners now include friends of friends, some with myositis, some without, and are located in every US time zone, creating a diverse and welcoming community united by a love of football and a commitment to supporting TMA’s mission.
For those unfamiliar with fantasy football, the concept is simple. Participants draft a team of NFL players before the season begins. Players earn points based on their players’ real-life performances each week, and fantasy teams compete head-to-head throughout the season. With nearly 29 million participants nationwide, fantasy football is one of America’s most popular games.
TMA’s leagues are hosted on ESPN’s fantasy football platform, which provides free access through both a website and a mobile app. ESPN handles the draft process, schedules matchups, maintains team rosters, and automatically calculates scoring, making participation easy for newcomers and experienced players alike.
Even better, you do not need to be a fantasy football expert to join. Many first-time participants learn as they go, aided by ESPN’s user-friendly tools, draft assistance, and online resources. League members are known for being friendly and supportive, creating an environment where everyone feels welcome regardless of experience level.
Participation is also a direct way to support TMA. Each team owner makes a $50 donation to The Myositis Association for every team entered, with additional donations always welcome. There are no cash prizes at the end of the season—just the satisfaction of competing, having fun, and maybe earning a little bragging rights as league champion while supporting the myositis community.
The fantasy football season begins with a draft in late August or early September and runs through the NFL regular season. Team owners can spend as much or as little time managing their rosters as they choose. Some participants check in for just a few minutes each week, while others enjoy diving deeper into statistics and player analysis.
Perhaps the best part of Fantasy Football for TMA is its culture. Because the leagues focus on fundraising and fellowship rather than financial rewards, sportsmanship and friendship are at the heart of the experience. Over the years, owners have built lasting connections while helping raise money to support TMA’s programs and services.
Whether you are a seasoned fantasy football veteran or someone who has never drafted a team before, this is a great opportunity to join a supportive community, enjoy the NFL season in a new way, and make a meaningful difference for people affected by myositis. Contact Commissioner Alan Horowitz to learn more about joining Fantasy Football for TMA.
