2019 was a big year for FSR. We hosted nine patient education events in cities all across North America, bringing together sarcoidosis patients, caregivers, expert physicians, and FSR staff. Each six-hour event provided individuals affected by sarcoidosis a chance to connect with leading sarcoidosis experts and their local network of patients to learn about this disease, support resources, and FSR’s mission and initiatives. However, we know patients and their loved ones are eager for more and we’re excited to deliver a new patient education experience in 2020 through our new FSR Patient Summits.
Replacing our day-long conferences, FSR will host three weekend-long summits in Chicago, IL, Miami, FL, and Portland, OR. The summits will provide support resources and workshops about emotional health, navigation of the health care system, and self-care, in addition to greater opportunities for connecting with other individuals living with or caring for someone with sarcoidosis.
These summits are designed to implement the changes that conference attendees of the past have reported wanting to see at future events. Some additions include more presentations from expert physicians and researchers, as well as lectures and exercises in lifestyle, emotional well-being, legal and financial matters, and FSR resources. Patients will be able to choose which presentations to attend based on which are the most relevant to their lives. There will also be a self-care station and ample opportunities for attendees to relax and recharge between sessions. We’re excited for the ability the summit format will allow to cater to each attendee’s individual needs and interests!
2020 will also include an expansion in the number of locations at which in-person education programs will be available through a “Sarcoidosis Patient Seminar in a Box” program. This new opportunity will be offered to engaged volunteers and well-established sarcoidosis clinics through a competitive grant process, increasing the quantity and geographic accessibility of in-person educational events.