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April Is National Sarcoidosis Awareness Month
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In 2008, Congress declared April as National Sarcoidosis Awareness Month to bring more attention to this rare, multisystem disease. Five years later, we are slowly but surely making progress, both in public awareness and in research of sarcoidosis. Purple is the color of the ribbon for sarcoidosis awareness.
Sarcoidosis causes inflammation, called granuloma, in different areas of the body. Because it can appear anywhere from the lungs to the eyes to the heart, it can manifest in a variety of symptoms including swollen lymph nodes, skin sores, and lumps in the lungs—or no symptoms at all. With treatment, many people recover, although it can take several years. Others may have a harder time and can suffer greater organ damage. Even when symptoms subside, called remission, sarcoidosis can return. In rare cases, sarcoidosis is fatal. Researchers don't yet know what causes sarcoidosis.
EVENTS AND NEWS
CHRISTOPHER & DIANA REEVES
Breaking News
Three years ago, we announced our most ambitious scientific initiative to date -- The Big Idea. This campaign was inspired by groundbreaking research in which four young men, who were diagnosed with chronic complete spinal cord injury, had a device called an epidural stimulator implanted on their spine. Rob, Kent, Andrew and Dustin regained the ability to stand, bear their own weight and flex their toes, legs, and hips; and all four have experienced improved bladder, bowel and sexual function.
This discovery was an unprecedented breakthrough. Since then, a total of eleven participants have received epidural stimulation at the University of Louisville and all have reported positive results.
Despite its tremendous potential, however, the FDA considers epidural stimulation as a therapy for spinal cord injury to be experimental and only after safety and efficacy is rigorously demonstrated will the FDA permit its use in spinal cord injury.
I am thrilled to share that we now have the official green light from the FDA to start The Big Idea study and enroll participants. This is a huge milestone -- a big win for the Reeve Foundation and the community we serve.
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Donate now to keep The Big Idea moving forward
It is now within our reach to transform more lives than ever before, but there is still a great deal of work to be done. While receiving unconditional approval from the FDA is indeed a giant leap forward, we have yet to reach our fundraising goal to complete the study. We have committed to moving forward with the hope and faith that our most ardent supporters will continue their commitment so that this research can carry on without disruption.
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My father dreamed of a world of empty wheelchairs, and never has that dream been closer to reality. This is our moment. This is our movement. This is your chance to be part of The Big Idea.
Thank you for your generous support, and Happy Holidays.
Sincerely yours,
Matthew Reeve
Reeve Foundation Board of Directors
