Over the last six years literally hundreds of patients and supporters have helped FSR raise awareness of sarcoidosis and funds to support much-needed research.

We are proud to acknowledge a few of these individuals through the special rotating banner on our Web site. Each of them has contributed in some significant way to our success and we thank them. We call them our Friends, but they could easily be called Sarcoidosis Superstars.

Spring-Summer 2007

Ken Felts
Ken Felts life ended tragically at the age of 48 due to undiagnosed cardiac sarcoidosis.  In their grief his family chose to honor him and to celebrate his life while helping to raise awareness about this disease.  In August of 2005 they hosted the It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere Golf Tournament with proceeds donated to FSR.  With the money raised, FSR was able to develop a brochure on cardiac sarcoidosis to educate patients and their health care professionals.  Order a free copy.

Kirk Mease
Mr. Mease is a neurosarcoidosis patient and Head Golf Professional at Wellshire Golf Club, who is active in the Denver Sarcoidosis Awareness Support Group.  In September 2006 and 2007, Mr. Mease organized 'Golf in the Darc for Sarc' a glow ball tournament which raised more than $10,000 to support development of a new brochure on neurosarcoidosis which will be available from FSR in the Fall of 2007.

Karen Russell
A Harvard educated attorney and a TV legal analyst in Seattle, who appears on CNN, MSNBC and CourtTV to debate national issues, both Ms. Russell and her father, famed NBA player Bill Russell, have sarcoidosis.  In addition to recording a Public Service Announcement for the Foundation, she served as Co-Emcee for the KISS Chicago 2007 fundraising event held in Chicago on February 3, 2007.

Pauline Vasiliaskas
In November 2004 at the young age of 42, Pauline's life was taken suddenly due to undiagnosed cardiac sarcoidosis. This wonderful lady gave everything of herself to friends, family and her local community through countless volunteer hours. She left behind her pride and joy in two beautiful daughters who now at the ages of 13 and 16 have found the courage to continue on with their lives.  Her warmth, love, laughter and strength are missed by those who loved her.  In 2007, Esther Lewis and Grady Harrison organized a tribute which raised more than $20,000 to benefit the Foundation.

Kim Wall
After losing her beloved husband and fellow actor Joseph Scornaienchi to undiagnosed cardiac sarcoidosis, Ms. Wall was inspired to make a difference.  Serving as the guest monologist for The Doug Dank Project in November 2006, she arranged to have 100% of proceeds from this unique, long-form improvisation show inspired by her personal stories donated to the Foundation.

If you would like to nominate someone for recognition on the FSR Web site through our Friends program, please contact the Foundation.