Dear Family, Friends, and Sarcoidosis Community. As we approach the end of another year, I am honored to take part in the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research’s (FSR) annual Gratitude and Giving campaign. This holiday season, I am focused on spreading kindness and positivity by expressing gratitude for the things that make a difference in my life, and I invite you to join me!  

My name is Marsha Henderson, a Sarcoidosis patient and FSR patient advocate. I am also a member of the FSR Women of Color Committee and a Community Group Leader for the FSR Global Sarcoidosis Clinic Alliance at Medstar Hospital in Washington, D.C.
I was diagnosed with Pulmonary Sarcoidosis in 1995 while working as an Emergency Medical Technician for D.C. Fire & EMS Services. Since then, I have faced numerous challenges and changes that have impacted my life and those of my loved ones Initially, I tried to maintain a sense of normalcy despite the complexities of explaining a little-known disease like Sarcoidosis to others.

As my symptoms worsened, I turned to online support groups and found solace in connecting with the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR). In 2015, I began hosting Community Support Groups and organizing awareness walks such as the Exhale 4 Sarcoidosis DMV Community Awareness Walk in October 2020 and the Steps For Sarcoidosis Awareness Walk in D.C. in 2021. These events serve as opportunities for the Sarcoidosis community to come together, raise awareness, and foster a sense of compassion and support.
I walk to raise awareness for Sarcoidosis, to support survivors and the Sarcoidosis community, and to educate the public about the disease. Through these awareness walks, we aim to create more support groups and resources for those affected by Sarcoidosis in the DMV area.

Being part of a supportive community has been essential for me, and I believe in providing a support system for individuals who may feel isolated or lack knowledge about Sarcoidosis. Survivors must see others thriving and working towards finding a cure. I am passionate about bridging the gap between Sarcoidosis warriors and advocating for increased awareness and support. Together, we can make a difference for those living with this challenging disease.

Through the Gratitude and Giving campaign, I will be sharing five things I am grateful for on social media or by printing out the FSR Gratitude Graphic. My goal is to raise $200 this holiday season and share my support for the work of FSR. It’s my way of showing appreciation for the things that truly matter, while also giving back to a cause that’s close to my heart.  

This year, I need your help to raise $200 toward FSR’s goal of $125,000 to support research and other initiatives that impact patients' lives. 

The incredible progress FSR has made is thanks to so many of us who come together in support of the FSR mission!   

Here’s how you can join me in making a positive impact this holiday season:  

Donate to my fundraising page.
Every contribution helps us reach our goal.  
Share: My campaign to spread awareness of sarcoidosis!  
Learn More: Visit stopsarcoidosis.org  

Together, we can continue making a difference, supporting groundbreaking research, and providing much-needed resources for the sarcoidosis community. No gift is too small – every dollar brings us closer to a world without sarcoidosis.

Thank you for your support!