For more information on future events, please visit our Current Events page.

September 11, 2009
Golf in the Darc for Sarc to Benefit FSR (Denver, CO)
Organized by Kirk R. Mease, a neurosarcoidosis patient and golf professional The Golf in the Darc for Sarc Glo Ball Tournament to be held this coming September in Denver, is an annual fundraiser to benefit the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research.  The fourth annual event is scheduled for September 11 at the John F. Kennedy Golf Course.  Registration fee of $100 includes: 9-Hole Par 3 Green Fees, shared golf cart, unlimited warm-up range balls, two drink tickets, glow golf ball, glowing accessories, goodie bag & raffle entry.  For more information contact Kirk Mease at 303-757-1352, X1 or Order Tickets Online.

September 27, 2009 (Chicago)
Join Team Sarcoidosis in the Hike for Lung Health
Lincoln Park (Stockton and LaSalle)`
FSR will join with the Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago and other community health organizations to raise awareness of and financial support for lung diseases through the 2009 Hike for Lung Health.  The 2007 and 2008 events provided a great opportunity for those with sarcoidosis to connect with others from around the Midwest.  FSR's Team Sarcoidosis was the top fundraising team in 2007 and 2008, help us realize our goal of repeating! Register Now.

March 24, 2009
FSR Patient Conference
Charleston, SC
The FSR Sarcoidosis Patient Conference will coincide with a professional lung disease meeting in March 2009 in Charleston, SC. Directed by the FSR Scientific Chair, the agenda will be developed by patient leaders who serve on the FSR Support Group Advisory Council in collaboration with leading sarcoidosis specialists. Tickets are $60.

February 7, 2009
KISS Chicago 2009
XChange West, 344 North Ogden
Chicago, IL
Join patients and special celebrity guests to raise national awareness of sarcoidosis and to launch Sarcoidosis Awareness Week at this FUNdraising event.  Tickets are $150.  Order Now.

January 24, 2009
DFW Metroplex Founder’s Day Luncheon for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
Sheraton Hotel & Spa, Ft. Worth (1701 Commerce Street)
Visit the KISSing Booth to learn more about sarcoidosis and to meet with other patients.

November 28-December 23, 2008
Holidays of Hope at Primitive Chicago
130 N. Jefferson, Chicago, IL 60661
Shop at Primitive between Thanksgiving and Christmas and receive a discount on first-tier merchandise plus a tax-deductible donation in your name to selected charities including FSR. The more you purchase, the higher your savings, the greater the donation. You’ll receive incredible merchandise, a tax-deduction, and the satisfaction of knowing you helped one of these groups continue their exceptional work.  For more information call 312-575-9600. 

November 18, 2008
Tory Burch Fundraiser to Benefit FSR
Chicago, IL
Foundation staff, Board Members and friends met for a private showing of the Tory Burch collection where 15% of proceeds benefitted programs at the Foundation.

November 14, 2008
C.V.S. Class of ’75 presents a “Red Carpet” Gala
featuring the movie Soul Men starring Bernie Mac
Marcus Chicago Heights Cinema, Chicago, IL
The Red Carpet Gala raised just over $2000 to assist programs at the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research. For more information, read the Press Release.

November 9, 2008
Jan's Enduring Gift
K.I.S.S. Raleigh/Cary
Cary, NC
Friends and Family gathered for an evening of dinner and music honoring and celebrating the life of Janeelieta Battle Rhodes who had Sarcoidosis of the lungs.

November 7, 2008
Fashion Fundraiser to Benefit FSR
George Washington Carver Museum, Austin, TX (7:00 PM - 12:00 AM)
For more information, please contact Ashantee McGhee at 512-917-0461.

October 25-30, 2008 (Philadelphia)
CHEST 2008, Annual Meeting of the American College of Chest Physicians
FSR will exhibit and present abstract awards for excellence in sarcoidosis research.

October 10, 2009
Jean's Day at Mercer
Chicago office colleagues of Anu Bansal raised nearly $1000 through a successful jean's day event held in honor of Arun Bansal.

September 21, 2008 (Chicago)
Join Team Sarcoidosis in the Hike for Lung Health
Montrose Harbor, Chicago Lakefront
FSR will join with the Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago and other community health organizations to raise awareness of and financial support for lung diseases through the 2008 Hike for Lung Health.  The 2007 event was a wonderful opportunity for those with sarcoidosis to connect with others from around the Midwest.  FSR's Team Sarcoidosis was the top fundraising team at the event last year, help us realize our goal of repeating! Register Now.

September 8, 2008
Golf in the Darc for Sarc to Benefit FSR (Denver, CO)
Organized by Kirk R. Mease, a neurosarcoidosis patient and golf professional The Golf in the Darc for Sarc Glo Ball Tournament to be held this coming September in Denver, is an annual fundraiser to benefit the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research.  The event is scheduled for September 8 at Kennedy Golf Course.  Registration fee of $100 includes: 9-Hole Par 3 Green Fees, shared golf cart, unlimited warm-up range balls, two drink tickets, glow golf ball, glowing accessories, goodie bag & raffle entry.  For more information contact Kirk Mease at 303-757-1352, X1 or visit the Denver Sarcoidosis Support Group Web site.

August 31, 2008 - All Class Reunion Gospel Music Fest to Benefit FSR
Tampa, Florida
Join All-Class Reunion (1970-1980) and Master of Ceremonies Minister Isaac Ruffin to see gospel performances by: Alicia Thomas Harris, Julian Jackson, Cynthia Frazier Grant, Fred Black, The McQueen Sisters, Billy Wheeler, Paula Stevens Jones and Linwood Williams.  For additional information contact Tammy Jackson, 813-416-0327 or download the flyer.

July 26, 2008
Ride 4 KISS NYC
Organized by a sarcoidosis patient, this is a benefit motorcycle ride from Brooklyn to Queens, which stops in Manhattan and concludes in Cunningham Park with an appreciation BBQ.

March 14-15, 2008
NBC Health Expo, Navy Pier (Chicago)
FSR staff and volunteers will be in Booth 1012 at the NBC Health Expo at Navy Pier - Saturday March 15th from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM & and Sunday March 16th from 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM.  This event offers activities the WHOLE family can enjoy including free health screenings, healthy cooking demonstrations, a community blood drive and much more.

February 2008
Mary Kay Cosmetic Donation
Throughout the month of February Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant and Sarcoidosis Patient Rhiannon Torres will be donating 100% of profits from the sales of Lipstick, Lip Gloss, Satin Lips, Lip Primer, and Lip Balm to the Foundation. Visit the link below and enter KISS into the comments section when ordering.  Free USPS shipping on orders mailed within the United States.  Order Now!

February 12, 2008, 4:00-7:00 PM
SPA for a CAUSE - to Benefit FSR and the 2008 KISS Campaign
310 West Superior, Chicago
FSR is partnering with Tiffani Kim Institute and Chicago Social Magazine for a free (and FUN) event to raise awareness of and funds to support sarcoidosis.  Join us for champagne, hors d'oeuvres and free spa services including SilkPeel Microdermabrasion, Paraffin Hand Dip, Massage, Skin Analysis Skin Consult, Waxing, Makeup Application and a chance to win a $1000 prize).  Download the Invitation.

February 2, 2008
K.I.S.S. Chicago 2008
Chicago, Illinois
More than 400 supporters, patients and special celebrity guests gathered to raise national awareness of sarcoidosis and to launch Sarcoidosis Awareness Week at this FUNdraising event.  Congratulations to our 2008 honorees:  FSR President Andrea Wilson, NBC President Larry Wert, Patient Advocate Karen Duffy and Dr. Elliott Crouser (Ohio State University) and thanks to our 2008 Co-Hosts Rob Elgas and Peggy Kusinski of NBC-5 Chicago. 

September 23, 2007
Join Team Sarcoidosis in the Hike for Lung Health
Montrose Harbor, Chicago Lakefront
FSR has partnered with the Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago and other community health organizations to raise awareness of and financial support for lung diseases through the first annual Hike for Lung Health.  Join Co-Captains Andrea Wilson and Karen Russell in their goal to raise $5000.00 for Team Sarcoidosis.  Register Now.

September 7, 2007
Golf in the Darc for Sarc to Benefit FSR (Denver, CO)
Organized by Kirk R. Mease, a neurosarcoidosis patient and golf professional The Golf in the Darc for Sarc Glo Ball Tournament to be held this coming September in Denver, is an annual fundraiser to benefit the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research.  The event is scheduled for September 7 at Kennedy Golf Course.  Registration fee of $100 includes: 9-Hole Par 3 Green Fees, shared golf cart, unlimited warm-up range balls, two drink tickets, glow golf ball, glowing accessories, goodie bag & raffle entry.  For more information contact Kirk Mease at 303-757-1352, X1 or visit the Denver Sarcoidosis Support Group Web site.

August 22, 2007
Keeping it Real with Reverend Al Sharpton and Dr. Yael Varnado (Live)
Dr. Marc Judson and Karen Russell will join patients to discuss sarcoidosis during this live broadcast. Click here for stations and times or listen online via the Internet.

June-July 2007 (Thursday Nights)
Rumba with the Stars, Chicago
The Rumba Supper Club, 351 West Hubbard Street, Chicago, hosts a four week event of featuring Latin dance as local celebrities compete for their favorite charity.  Lisa Lenoir, society editor the Chicago Sun Times, is competing to raise funds for the Foundation.

July 2007
Dry Eye Awareness Month
Dry eye affects more than an estimated 20 million Americans, yet it is often under-recognized and under-diagnosed. To raise awareness about the condition during Dry Eye Awareness Month in July, FSR has joined with several national organizations in supporting this important campaign organized by the National Women's Health Resource Center.  Chronic dry eye occurs when eyes do not produce the right quantity or quality of tears. It is often caused by hormonal changes due to aging and menopause, and can be aggravated by environmental conditions or contact lens use. Certain medications such as antihistamines, antidepressants, diuretics, oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy, as well as thyroid conditions, vitamin A deficiency and diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, rosacea, sarcoidosis, and Sjögren’s syndrome may also cause dry eye.  Visit the NWHRC Web site for more information.

May 19-23, 2007
American Thoracic Society (ATS) International Conference (San Francisco, CA)
FSR attended this meeting as an exhibitor and provided information on the up to two $100,000 ATS/FSR Partnership Research Grants to be awarded in 2008.

March 30-31, 2007
Middle & West Tennessee Sarcoidosis Support Group
Natchez Trace State Park (Wildersville, TN)
This Spring Conference & Retreat will address topics including pulmonary sarcoidosis, neuropathy, talking with your physician and tips for caregivers.  For additional information contact Patricia Coleman at 731-986-9832 or download the Registration Form.

March 7, 2007
Sarcoidosis Symposium at Olive Harvey Auditorium
Chicago, Illinois
FSR will present a lecture entitled 'The Importance of Sarcoidosis Research' during this conference hosted by the Chicago Southside Sarcoidosis Support Group and the Let's Breathe Sarcoidosis Support Group North Shore. For more information, contact Doris Peterson at 312-218-9866 or Brenda Harris at 847-731-3110.

March 5-11, 2007
National Sleep Awareness Week^®
National Sleep Awareness Week^® is an annual public education, information and awareness campaign that coincides with the return to Daylight Savings Time.  FSR is proud to support this nationwide effort organized by the National Sleep Foundation, designed to make sleep consciousness a part of everyone's lifestyle.   Read the Press Release for tips to help adjust to the return to Daylight Saving Time."

February 3, 2007
K.I.S.S. Chicago 2007
Chicago, Illinois
Hundreds of supporters, patients and their families gathered at this gala event to raise national awareness of sarcoidosis and to launch Sarcoidosis Awareness Week at this FUNdraising event. Read the 2007 Press Release.

January 15, 2007
Martin Luther King Marade (Denver, CO)
Members of the Denver Sarcoidosis Awareness Support Group will hand out sarcoidosis educational information at a booth during this annual event.

January 14, 2007
Pauline Vasiliaskas Memorial
Houston Marathon (Houston, TX)
In November 2004 on vacation with friends and family, Pauline Vasiliaskas beloved wife and mother of two, had her life taken away suddenly due to undiagnosed sarcoidosis.  Her friend, Esther Lewis will run the Houston marathon to raise money for research in her honor.  Donate to support this cause.

January 2007
Food is Fun with Chef Charles (Bryn Mawr, PA)
A portion of proceeds from this six-week pastry cooking class held at the Wilde Thyme Cafe (1149 Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr) will be donated in memory of Chef Charles' sister Debora Williams Ball.   For more information contact Wilde Thyme at 610- 581-7700.

November 29, 2006
The Doug Dank Project
PushPush Theater (Decatur, Georgia)
Hosted in memory of Joseph Scornaienchi, proceeds from this unique, long-form improvisation show inspired by the personal stories of his wife and November 29 guest monologist Kim Wall will benefit FSR.  Tickets are available at the door for $10, with 100% of proceeds donated to FSR.

October 21 - 26, 2006
Chest 2006 - Annual Meeting of the American College of Chest Physicians (Salt Lake City)
FSR will attend this meeting to present abstract awards to clinical researchers focused on mechanisms to assess Health Related Quality of Life (HQRL) in sarcoidosis patients.

September 30-October 1, 2006
NBC-5 Chicago Health Expo (Navy Pier, Chicago)
Visit with FSR Staff and Board Members at the NBC Health Expo to learn more about this devastating disease or to enjoy dance, golf, rock climbing, fitness and healthy cooking demonstrations.

September 19, 2006
Take a Loved One for a Checkup Day
Sponsored by the DHHS Office of Minority Health, Take a Loved One for a Checkup Day is a campaign that focuses on the disparities between the health of racial and ethnic minorities and the general population. FSR is pleased to support this campaign which encourages individuals to seek regular health care instead of waiting until there is an emergency to see a doctor.

September 8, 2006
Golf in the Darc for Sarc to Benefit FSR (Denver, CO)
Organized by Kirk R. Mease, sarcoidosis patient and Head Golf Professional at Wellshire Golf Club, this glow ball tournament event is scheduled for September 8, 2006 at Kennedy Golf Course. For more information contact Kirk Mease at 303-757-3135.

July 22, 2006
Benefit to Honor Brian Eidem (Minnesota)
Friends and family of the late Brian Eidem gathered in Minnesota to raise more than $3000 to support for cardiac sarcoidosis research and education.

Scrub Out Sarcoidosis (June-July 2006)
Patient Letia James sold Arbonne Awaken Sea Salt Scrubs and received monetary donations from customers around the country totaling more than $1100 to benefit FSR.

July 21, 2006
KISSes for the Future at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange
The Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) in the largest futures exchange in the United States. Staff and volunteers will be at the CME to hand out 'KISSes' during this inaugural FUNdraiser to raise important funds for future sarcoidosis research.

July 2006
Dry Eye Awareness Month
Dry eye is a serious condition that occurs when changes to the health of the tear-producing glands affect the quantity and quality of tears produced and the tear film can no longer provide enough nourishment or protection to the surface of the eye. In addition to environmental factors, certain medical conditions, including sarcoidosis, can aggravate dry eye. FSR is proud to join with the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American College of Rheumatology, American Optometric Association and other national organizations in supporting this important campaign organized by the National Women's Health Resource Center.  Read the FSR Press Release or visit the National Women's Health Resource Center Web site to learn more.

June 6, 2006
FSR will be featured as the GoodSearch 'Charity of the Day'. GoodSearch is a search engine powered by Yahoo, but the first time you visit the site, you can designate FSR as your favorite charity. Then every time you search, money is generated to support the Foundation (each search = about 1 cent for FSR).
Please spread the word to your friends and family about this simple fundraising tool. Visit GoodSearch and follow the instructions to select the 'Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR)' as your charity (search 'sarcoidosis' to find us), then
click 'verify'. Learn More.

May 31, 2006
World No Tobacco Day
Cigarette smoking causes an estimated 440,000 deaths, or about 1 of every 5 deaths, each year in the United States alone. On average, adults who smoke cigarettes die 13–14 years earlier than nonsmokers. World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) is celebrated around the world every year on May 31. This yearly celebration informs the public on the dangers of using tobacco, the business practices of tobacco companies, what the World Health Organization (WHO) is doing to fight the tobacco epidemic and what people around the world can do to claim their right to health and healthy living and to protect future generations. More information is available through the WHO Tobacco Free Initiative and from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.

May 19-24, 2006
American Thoracic Society (ATS) International Conference (San Diego, CA)
FSR will attend this meeting as an exhibitor (Booth #128) and to present a poster detailing recent Foundation accomplishments during the Public Advisory Roundtable Poster Session. The Foundation will also present two abstract awards to researchers. The first, focused on the role of mycobacterial antigens in sarcoidosis will be awarded through the ATS Allergy, Inflammation and Immunology Assembly and one to assess the long-term prognosis of people diagnosed with sarcoidosis will be awarded through the ATS Clinical Problems Assembly. Information on the annual $100,000 ATS/FSR Partnership Research Grant will be made available to the more than 15,000 clinicians and researchers who attend the meeting.

April 9-12, 2006
BIO 2006 (Chicago, Illinois)
FSR will exhibit in the 'Patient & Medical Health Advocacy Display' area of this important conference sponsored by the Biotechnology Industry Organization to bring together academic research institutions and investors from all 50 states and 60 countries.

April 2006
Shop and Share at Jewel
Zion, Illinois
Friends and family will honor the memory of Foundation Supporter Alphonso Ball through their local grocery store's 'Shop and Share' Program.

March 25, 2006
Midwest Sarcoidosis Conference
Skokie, Illinois
FSR presented a lecture entitled 'The Importance of Sarcoidosis Research' during this conference hosted by the Chicago Southside Sarcoidosis Support Group and the Let's Breathe Sarcoidosis Support Group North Shore. For more information, contact Doris Peterson at 773-732-6188 or Brenda Harris at 847-731-3110.

March 17, 2006
KISSes and Shamrocks at the Chicago Board of Trade
Chicago, Illinois
Last year more than 300 Board Members and other individuals joined to donate over $2100. St. Patrick’s Day at the Chicago Board of Trade was lucky again this year for the Foundation. Staff and volunteers participated in this FUNdraiser featuring one-of-a-kind items donated by the World Champion Chicago White Sox.

February 16, 2006
DECA: Fashion Fundraiser to Benefit FSR
Austin, Texas
Presented by students at McNeil High School in Austin, this fashion show honored the father of a student who lost his battle with sarcoidosis and raised more than $800 for research. For more information, contact Gloria Evans, DECA Sponsor at 512-464-6359.

February 4, 2006
K.I.S.S. Naples
Naples, Florida
Hosted by a family with a young loved one affected by sarcoidosis, this pre-Valentine’s Day K.I.S.S. dinner-dance coincided with the launch of awareness week efforts throughout the country. For more information about the K.I.S.S. Naples event, please contact event organizer, Kristy Schryver at 239-398-5328.

February 4, 2006
K.I.S.S. Chicago 2006
Chicago, Illinois
Hundreds of supporters, patients and their families joined to raise national awareness of sarcoidosis and important funds to support sarcoidosis research and to launch Sarcoidosis Awareness Week at this FUNdraising event.

September 16-29, 2005
The Worth Collection - Fall/Winter Trunk Show & Fashion Fundraiser
(Chicago, IL)
FSR is pleased to be the recipient of 5% of proceeds from The Worth Collection's Fall/Winter Trunk Show to be held at the Chicago Athletic Association. Worth is a private New York designer who offers its line of custom-designed, ready-to-wear clothing through private trunk shows. To make an appointment to see the Collection please call Mary Kay Wysham at 773-329-6566.

August 20-21, 2005
Cleveland Clinic Presents: Sarcoidosis: Old Questions & New Approaches (Prof/CME); Integrating Sarcoidosis Care: Trends and Treatment (Patients)
(Cleveland, OH)
FSR is pleased to join the Cleveland Clinic and Course Co-Director Dr. Dan Culver as an exhibitor at two important and concurrent conferences. A one-day conference on August 20 is targeted toward health professionals caring for patients with sarcoidosis and offers information on treatment modalities and recent epidemiologic insights in both case-based presentations and panel discussions. CME credit (AMA/category 1 and AOA/category 2) is available for this activity. A day and a half program (August 20-21) for patients and their families is designed to provide the latest information on disease management, treatments and support mechanisms. Professionals who want more information or to register should call 216-444-5696 or visit www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/registration.htm. Patients who want more information or to register should call 216-445-0574.

August 12, 2005
It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere Golf Tournament in memory of Ken Felts
(Fishers, Indiana)
Ken Felts' (shown at right) life was cut short due to undiagnosed cardiac sarcoidosis. To honor him and to celebrate his life while helping researchers come closer to finding the cause of and better treatments for this disease, his family will host a golf tournament to benefit FSR. More information is available at: www.5oclocksomewheregolf.com.

June 12-15, 2005
World Association of Sarcoidosis and other Granulomatous Disorders 8th WASOG Meeting
(Denver, CO)
FSR is pleased to partner with WASOG by sponsoring a lecture given by FSR Scientific Advisory Board Chair David Moller entitled "Evidence of Infection in Sarcoidosis, Clues from a Proteomics Approach". In addition, as part of our commitment to filling the critical gaps facing sarcoidosis research, during the meeting, FSR will present abstract awards to two promising young investigators.

May 22-25, 2005
American Thoracic Society (ATS) International Conference
(San Diego, California)
FSR will attend this meeting as an exhibitor (Booth #2247) and to present a poster detailing recent Foundation accomplishments during the Public Advisory Roundtable Poster Session. The Foundation will also present four abstract awards to researchers. Two, focused on the cellular development of sarcoidosis will be awarded through the ATS Allergy, Inflammation and Immunology Assembly and two focused on treatments for sarcoidosis will be awarded through the ATS Clinical Problems Assembly. Information on the annual $100,000 ATS/FSR Partnership Research Grant will be made available to the more than 15,000 clinicians and researchers who attend the meeting.

February 5, 2005
K.I.S.S. CHICAGO 2005 - Salvage One
Each February, FSR hosts a nationwide education and awareness campaign, Kick In to Stop Sarcoidosis™ (K.I.S.S.). In 2005, the week commenced with a gala themed fundraising event, held in Chicago on Saturday, February 5th. More than 450 supporters, patients and their families joined famed Boston Celtics player William Russell and his daughter Karen, both patients to raise national awareness of sarcoidosis and to raise more than $150,000 to support sarcoidosis research. Read the K.I.S.S. Press Release.

January 22-23, 2005
NBC Health Expo - Navy Pier
Visit with FSR Staff and Board Members at the NBC Health Expo to learn more about this devastating disease or to enjoy dance, golf, rock climbing, fitness and healthy cooking demonstrations. The hours are 10:00-5:00 on Saturday and 10:00-5:00 on Sunday.

For more information on future events, please visit our Current Events page.