For Immediate Release

Contact: info@stopsarcoidosis.org

SARCOIDOSIS PATIENTS NATIONWIDE CELEBRATE SARCOIDOSIS AWARENESS MONTH

Chicago, IL (29 April 2011) - The Support Group Advisory Council of the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research spearheaded a nationwide effort among sarcoidosis patients to celebrate Sarcoidosis Awareness Month in April. By all accounts, this first-ever coordinated effort to generate awareness and raise funds to support sarcoidosis research and education was a tremendous success.

On April 13, sarcoidosis patients nationwide wore purple and white; FSR leadership appeared on the morning news in Chicago to encourage those getting dressed that morning to don purple and white; and sarcoidosis patients and their loved ones posted photos of themselves wearing purple and white on Facebook and other social media.

Also, on April 13, Dr. Laura Koth from the University of California, San Francisco hosted a free webinar for more than 100 patients entitled “Research in Sarcoidosis: From Causes to Clinical Trials and Everything in Between.” Dr. Koth presented the information in an easily understandable manner and the program allowed plenty of time for questions.

Finally, support groups around the country had great success in requesting that their local elected officials declare April to be Sarcoidosis Awareness Month. More than 15 state and city proclamations were declared. Through this effort, support groups were energized that their elected officials were supportive of and interested in the needs of their constituents.

Andrea Wilson, Co-Founder and President of FSR, applauded the leadership of the Support Group Advisory Council and thanked them for their efforts. “Numerous fundraising and awareness events were held throughout the country as a result of the call to action issued by the Advisory Council,” said Ms. Wilson. “Through their efforts, other support groups and individuals all over had the tools and the confidence to stand up and be heard by their communities and their elected officials.”

Sarcoidosis (pronounced SAR-COY-DO-SIS) is an inflammatory disease that can affect almost any organ in the body. It causes heightened immunity which means that a person's immune system, which normally protects the body from infection and disease, overreacts, resulting in damage to the body's own tissues. Sarcoidosis is often serious and can even be life-threatening, especially if you do not know you have it. The cause remains unknown and there is no cure.

For more information about sarcoidosis, please visit the Foundation for Sarcoidosis website at www.stopsarcoidosis.com.