Organizations Partner to Raise Awareness about Rare Lung Disease

Today, the American Lung Association in Indiana and Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research announced a partnership to raise awareness about a rare lung disease during April’s Sarcoidosis Awareness Month. The organizations are hosting a Sarcoidosis Awareness Party during the Better Breathers Club meeting on Tuesday, April 9 at 12:00 p.m. at St. Vincent in Indianapolis.

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that causes cells to group together into clumps called granulomas. When too many granulomas form on an organ, they may interfere with the organ's function. Sarcoidosis can affect any organ in the body; however, lungs and lymph nodes are impacted in more than 90 percent of cases. Although anyone can develop sarcoidosis, it is most common among people between the ages of 20 and 40, and more severe and more likely to be chronic in African-Americans.

For the event, the organizations are welcoming sarcoidosis patients to the Lung Association’s Better Breathers Clubs, which are welcoming support groups for patients and caregivers affected by chronic lung diseases to learn better ways to live with lung disease while getting the support of others in similar situations. Led by a trained respiratory therapist, these in-person adult support groups give participants the tools they need to live an active and healthy life.

Details of the Sarcoidosis Awareness Party include:

WHEN: April 9, 2019 at 12:00 p.m.

WHERE: St. Vincent Indianapolis at 8333 Naab Road #270, Educational Conference Room, Indianapolis, IN 46260

WHAT:

• Guest Speaker, who will share their story/expertise
• Refreshments
• Raffle and giveaways
• A PURPLE celebration! Please wear something PURPLE in solidarity with those living with sarcoidosis

HOW: Sign up for a Better Breathers Club near you at Lung.org/better-breathers or call (317) 338-8030 or email jloon002@ascension.org to RSVP.

Throughout the month of April, the two non-profit partners will also be offering support through online tutorials that share the latest resources for patients and caregivers, as well as hosting an “Ask The Expert” series on the online support community platform Inspire. From April 15 - 19, Lisa A. Maier, M.D., MSPH, FCCP, Professor of Medicine, Pulmonology and Chief of the Division of Occupational Health and Environmental Health Sciences at National Jewish Health will be answering patient questions.

Patients and caregivers can learn more about sarcoidosis and access live and recorded webinars at Lung.org/sarcoidosis or StopSarcoidosis.org. Registered nurses, respiratory therapists and counselors are also available for one-on-one support through the Lung HelpLine at 1-800-LUNGUSA or online chat at Lung.org/helpline.