Farmingville, NY – On April 20, Councilwoman Jane Bonner (second row, third from left) joined State Senator Ken LaValle (second row, third from right), residents, community leaders, friends and families who participated in the 5th Annual Sarcoidosis of Long Island Awareness Walk at the Town of Brookhaven’s Heritage Park in Mount Sinai. Sarcoidosis of Long Island has grown into an organization to fight for the rights of people who have Sarcoidosis, a rare disease characterized by the formation of tiny clumps of inflammatory cells in one or more organs of the body. These clumps can interfere with an organ’s structure and function. Symptoms could include chest pain, seizures, meningitis, swelling of the joints, hearing loss and blurred vision. You can learn more about Sarcoidosis by watching “In the Spotlight… Sarcoidosis Awareness” on Channel 18 On Demand on the Town website.
“Frank and Diana Rivera have dedicated their lives to helping the Sarcoidosis of Long Island families,” said Councilwoman Bonner. “I am proud to do whatever I can to help them raise awareness and find a cure for those who suffer from this debilitating disease”
Frank Rivera founded Sarcoidosis of Long Island in 2012 after being diagnosed with the disease in 2011. He has been a local, state and federal advocate for Sarcoidosis and has spoken at two Congressional briefings. He is a National Ambassador for the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research, a Global Genes RARE Foundation Alliance Member and Advocate, an Ambassador for The EveryLife Foundation and a Working Group Member. For more information about Sarcoidosis of Long Island, visit their website.
Division of Public Information * Office of the Supervisor
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