Although sarcoidosis was once thought to be rare, the disease is now known to be common and affects people worldwide. In fact, it is the most common fibrotic lung disorder. Yet, for many individuals, the first time they have heard the word 'sarcoidosis' is when they, or a loved one, are diagnosed.

Famed Boston Celtics basketball player Bill Russell and his daughter Karen, both sarcoidosis patients, have joined with FSR to help raise national awareness of this disease by recording a new Public Service Announcement which has already aired on several local stations. Click on the photo to view the PSA.

Caution: this is a large (1 MB) file. Please be patient while it downloads. Depending on your connection speed, it will take anywhere from 5 seconds to several minutes. You will need a video player (Windows Media Player, Real Player, or Quicktime) on your computer to view the film.

FSR would like to offer our gratitude to NBC-5 (WMAQ-TV) in Chicago for producing this PSA and to the following stations who have aired it:

• WMAQ-TV - NBC 5, Chicago

• KCNC-TV - CBS 4, Denver

Members of the media interested in a beta copy of this PSA for airing on a local station are encouraged to visit the FSR Press Room for additional information.