Farmingville, NY - On April 14, Councilwoman Jane Bonner joined residents, community leaders, friends and families who participated in the 4th 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. Pictured left to right are Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker; Sarcoidosis of Long Island founder and president Frank Rivera; Diana Rivera and Councilwoman Bonner.
“It’s my pleasure to support Frank and Diana Rivera, and the entire Sarcoidosis of Long Island family,” said Councilwoman Bonner. “I admire their dedication to help those who suffer from this debilitating disease and I applaud their efforts to raise awareness and find a cure.”
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 Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research, a Global Genes RARE Foundation Alliance Member and Advocate, an ambassador for The EveryLife Foundation and a Working Group Member. In recognition of Frank’s efforts, the Town of Brookhaven has declared October 15 “A Day for Rare Diseases.”