For Immediate Release

Contact: info@stopsarcoidosis.org

THE FOUNDATION FOR SARCOIDOSIS RESEARCH CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY
AT K.I.S.S. CHICAGO 2010

Chicago, IL (6 February 2010) On Saturday, February 6th, the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR) launched the annual nationwide education and awareness campaign, Kick In to Stop Sarcoidosis® (K.I.S.S.) at KISS Chicago 2010. This event brought together supporters, patients and local celebrities to raise funds and to raise awareness of this devastating disease.

“This year's launch of the national KISS Campaign is particularly special for FSR as we celebrate both our anniversary and a decade of successful programs,” said Andrea Wilson, President of FSR (pictured at right with 2010 event emcees Peggy Kusinski and Karen Russell).  She highlighted key accomplishments over the last several years that include:

Accomplishments:

• Support: The very nature of sarcoidosis – a multisystem disease with varied symptoms and no known cause – can foster anxiety and fear.  Today, over 4500 members from all 50 states find daily information and support online through the Stop Sarcoidosis Support Community. This life line has helped many end their isolation.

• Education & Awareness: Innovative community based programs are key to improving the lives of those currently living with sarcoidosis. Annual education conferences bring patients, family members and caregivers together with medical professionals to provide cutting edge information about this disease.  More than 15,000 patients have received free information from FSR in the last five years.

• Research: The causes of sarcoidosis and ultimately a cure, will be uncovered through rigorous and extensive scientific research. To date, FSR has fostered over $750,000 in grants and remains the only private organization funding sarcoidosis specific research.

Karen Russell daughter of famed NBA player Bill Russell was joined in emcee duties by NBC-5 sports anchor Peggy Kusinski in sharing personal experiences with this disease.  In 2002, NBC's Chicago Affiliate WMAQ lost well-known sports anchor Darrian Chapman to undiagnosed cardiac sarcoidosis.  "I cannot think about this anniversary without thinking back to our own loss at NBC. 10 years is an important milestone, especially in these financially tumultuous times. We should all feel proud of the work that has been made possible because of KISS," said Ms. Kusinski.

Both emcees shared that FSR would not be where it is today without Founder Andrea Wilson who when she was diagnosed decided she would do everything she could to help herself and help others who suffer.  At the event, the Foundation premiered a new video highlighting the path of the Foundation's progress over the last decade. 

"We look back on our first decade with pride and look forward with hope for what the next years will bring," said Mrs. Wilson whose story is featured in the video.

Click on the photo to view the video.  Note this is a large file. Please be patient while it downloads.  You will need a video player (Windows Media Player, Real Player, or Quicktime) to view.

Sarcoidosis (pronounced SAR-COY-DO-SIS) is an inflammatory disease that can affect almost any organ in the body.  It causes heightened immunity which means that a person's immune system, which normally protects the body from infection and disease, overreacts, resulting in damage to the body's own tissues. Sarcoidosis is often serious and can even be life-threatening, especially if you do not know you have it.  The cause remains unknown and there is no cure.

The Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR) is the nation’s leading organization dedicated to improving care for patients and to finding a cure for this disease. Since 2000, FSR has worked to position sarcoidosis as a growing problem on the U.S. health care agenda and established itself as the authoritative resource for patients, health professionals and the public.

2010 Campaign Corporate Supporters include:  Sloan Valve Company, NBC-5 Chicago, Grey Goose Vodka, Burrell Communications Group and @ World Properties.