Sarcoidosis Awareness Month 2023

The month of April was declared National Sarcoidosis Awareness Month by US Congress in 2008. National Sarcoidosis Awareness Month is supported by a number of health organizations including the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, the National Sarcoidosis Association, and the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR).

The aim of this event is to raise awareness about sarcoidosis and encourage further research into this rare condition.

What Is Sarcoidosis?

Sarcoidosis is a rare, auto-immune disease which causes inflammation and in many cases scarring of body tissue. Sarcoidosis can affect many parts of the body; in most cases it begins in the lungs. Symptoms of sarcoidosis include fatigue, fever, nausea and weight loss. There are also organ specific symptoms. Sarcoidosis is often a long term illness.

Whilst there is no cure for this disease, where appropriate, symptoms can be treated.

(For more information on sarcoidosis read 'What Is Sarcoidosis?).

Sarcoidosis Awareness Activities

To support National Sarcoidosis Awareness Month, over the last few years, the FSR have organized many events during April. This organization has been very creative in their endeavor to raise awareness. Ways to promote this day have included:

• 'Search for a Cure' Rummage Sale & Silent Auction
• Support Group Meetings
• Distribution Of Flyers
• Educational Meetings
• FUNtabulous Philly Pursuit
• Conferences
• Wear Purple & White Day - April 13th
• Creative Photo Contest
• Information Booths
• 'Stepping Out Against Sarcoidosis' - a fundraising event with talks, dinner and dance
• Health Fair
• Walk-A-Thon
• Gospel Concert

People are encouraged to join sarcoidosis support groups around the world by sponsoring activities such as those listed above, and publicizing them.

To help raise awareness, The Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research also provides:

• t-shirts
• brochures
• note cards
• lapel pins
• wrist-bands

For more information on this event, visit the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research dedicated webpage.