It is with much excitement that I am able to announce that we have opened up a chapter of the National Sarcoidosis Society
in Southern California, servicing California and the entire West Coast.We will have our first annual walk on Saturday, April 21st from 8am-5pm in Yucca Valley, CA.
My name is Andrea McKittrick. I am 33 and live in Southern California. I am the president of the National Sarcoidosis Society here in California and I also have this disease myself. I have sarcoidosis in my lungs, lymph nodes, stomach, skin, joints and my heart is enlarged due to poor lung capacity. I am a wife and mother and with this disease progression, I am afraid that I will not see my son grow up.
Sarcoidosis is a rare and potentially fatal inflammatory disease. It can attack any organ of the body but attacks the lungs in almost 90% of cases. It is estimated that about 5 in every 100,000 whites will contract this disease and 40 in every 100,000 african americans will be diagnosed with sarcoidosis. It is more prevelant in women ages 20-40. It also affects children. No one knows what causes Sarcoidosis and there is no cure. Most persons are usually treated with steroids of some sort. About 80% of people will usually go into remission after 6-18 months. Some require no treatment. Others, like me, don't respond to treatment and are diagnosed as chronic, which means I will never go into remission. Many celebrites also have sarcoids. Bernie Mac, Karen Duffy, Tisha Campbell-Martin and Reggie White, who died from sarcoidosis, are just among the few. This disease does not discriminate and affects men, women and children alike. Many individuals die because this disease is not easy to diagnose.
This walk a thon means a lot to me because we so desperately need to raise awareness about this disease and we also need to educate those affected or individuals who know someone with sarcoidosis. We are a non profit organization with a 501 (c)(3) status through the IRS. We are also the only organization that is not only nationwide, but we are world wide with members as far away as Australia. We believe that funding research is important, but it is more important to be able to provide financial support to anyone who has lost a job, has trouble paying for medications or doctors bills or just has some other financial difficulities. No other organization does what we do. That is why your support is so needed. I would love to have you aboard and as a supporter. If you are interested, please contact me at socalsarcoids@yahoo.com or my phone is 760-365-2534. I will begin doing press releases for this event no later than March 5th and would love to have you as a major sponsor and afford us the right to use your logo and name in our advertisements. (more) 
Wish
Comments
Couldnt Think of a better wish myself!
You're a stupid retard. I hope you get brain cancer!!!
What a great cause!
I wish you the best of luck!
*HUGZ*
Drea3732, I'm a little confused.
Your profile says you live in Canada, but you are asking for money for a Sarcoidosis Walk-A-Thon in Southern California?
Our society is dedicated to the reseach, awareness and education of all those affected by this disease. We are fighting for our lives and our rights. Please help and join in our fight.
good luck .
Prayers and encouragement to you and your family.
Great Cause I hope you Win.
A great cause...god bless you.
If we all pull together, our dreams of living a pain and disease free like can be achieved.
I read about your wish on sarcoid buddies, I am really proud of you. This is a great cause and I hope you win because if you win we all win.
Your sarcoidbuddie,
Laura
Your great! God Bless you!!!
More awareness! More money for research! Spread the word! Support this worthy cause!
I'm proud of you Andrea! You are the best!
This is such a great cause and a wonderful way to raise awareness for this disease that has robbed us of so much. Thank you for looking and make a wish!!
Please comment on my wish. There are so many of us who are suffering from this disease and we need to raise awareness and educate ourselves, our family, friends, caregivers and even doctors. This is a really good cause and a great organization.
I wish I had a Sarcoidosis thingy, or do I?