April Sarcoidosis Awareness Month 2026 - See Sarcoidosis
Cara Fazio
Cara Fazio
Welcome, and thank you so much for Taking Steps to See Sarcoidosis.
In 2019, my life changed. I had no idea how scary things were about to become.
It started with my ankles and feet, they became discolored and severely swollen, nearly four times their normal size. I couldn’t even get shoes on, and walking was excruciating. I went to the ER and was told it was a sprained ankle and was referred to an orthopedist. But something didn’t feel right. I hadn’t fallen or twisted anything, and I remember thinking my ankles looked far worse than a simple sprain.
Before I even made it to that appointment, my symptoms worsened. Both ankles and feet were swollen and stiff, making every step a struggle. Then my wrists began acting up. I would wake up in excruciating pain, unable to hold even a glass of water or open a door without tears.
The orthopedist confirmed the ER diagnosis and gave me a boot, suggesting I had likely sprained both ankles and even my wrists. I left feeling unheard, frustrated, and afraid.
Weeks turned into months, and nothing improved. My body was fighting me at every turn. I developed daily fevers that spiked at night, drenching night sweats, confusion, a racing heart, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, a chronic cough, and severe joint pain. Some nights, I couldn’t bend my knees or stand without collapsing.
Despite this, I kept going. I showed up to work each day, hiding my pain and fear while quietly hoping someone would see that something was very wrong.
The turning point came when painful nodules began forming on my legs, spreading upward, and purple spots appeared all over my skin. I knew this was more than anyone had told me.
After countless doctor visits, tears, and fighting to be heard, I was finally diagnosed with Sarcoidosis—a disease I had never even heard of. By then, it had already taken a serious toll on my body, and I had to begin aggressive treatment. I am forever grateful to the doctors who finally listened, treated me, and helped me start healing.
Sarcoidosis may have taken me by surprise, but I refused to let it take anything else from me. I was determined to live and to fight.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is how important it is to advocate for yourself. If something doesn’t feel right: Say something. Ask questions. Get another opinion. You know your body better than anyone. You are stronger than you realize.
Today, I am working toward becoming a nurse practitioner. My experience has fueled my passion to educate others, patients and future healthcare providers alike, about this disease.
Sarcoidosis is known as “the great mimicker,” and awareness is critical for earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
This is why this fundraiser is so important to me. April is National Sarcoidosis Awareness Month, and sharing my story is deeply personal. My hope is that it helps someone feel seen, heard, and not alone and that it brings more awareness, more research funding, better treatments, and one day, a cure.
If you’re able, please consider donating or sharing this page to help raise awareness and support research for Sarcoidosis.
To my fellow Sarcoid Warriors—you are not alone. We are fighters. We are strong. We are Sarcoid Strong 💪💜
Sarcoidosis is a disease that many people have never heard of, yet it affects thousands of individuals and families. It can impact multiple organs and often goes undiagnosed or misunderstood. That’s why the work FSR is doing is so important — they fund research, provide patient support, and push toward better treatments and a cure.
Here is How YOU Can Help
1. Donate if you’re able — no amount is too small
2. Share this page to help spread awareness
Every bit of support means more than I can put into words. You’re not just donating — you’re helping bring hope, answers, and progress to those living with sarcoidosis.
Thank you for being part of this journey, my story, and the many others together we are taking Steps to See Sarcoidosis.
Click here for more information on sarcoidosis and the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research.
Cara
In 2019, my life changed. I had no idea how scary things were about to become.
It started with my ankles and feet, they became discolored and severely swollen, nearly four times their normal size. I couldn’t even get shoes on, and walking was excruciating. I went to the ER and was told it was a sprained ankle and was referred to an orthopedist. But something didn’t feel right. I hadn’t fallen or twisted anything, and I remember thinking my ankles looked far worse than a simple sprain.
Before I even made it to that appointment, my symptoms worsened. Both ankles and feet were swollen and stiff, making every step a struggle. Then my wrists began acting up. I would wake up in excruciating pain, unable to hold even a glass of water or open a door without tears.
The orthopedist confirmed the ER diagnosis and gave me a boot, suggesting I had likely sprained both ankles and even my wrists. I left feeling unheard, frustrated, and afraid.
Weeks turned into months, and nothing improved. My body was fighting me at every turn. I developed daily fevers that spiked at night, drenching night sweats, confusion, a racing heart, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, a chronic cough, and severe joint pain. Some nights, I couldn’t bend my knees or stand without collapsing.
Despite this, I kept going. I showed up to work each day, hiding my pain and fear while quietly hoping someone would see that something was very wrong.
The turning point came when painful nodules began forming on my legs, spreading upward, and purple spots appeared all over my skin. I knew this was more than anyone had told me.
After countless doctor visits, tears, and fighting to be heard, I was finally diagnosed with Sarcoidosis—a disease I had never even heard of. By then, it had already taken a serious toll on my body, and I had to begin aggressive treatment. I am forever grateful to the doctors who finally listened, treated me, and helped me start healing.
Sarcoidosis may have taken me by surprise, but I refused to let it take anything else from me. I was determined to live and to fight.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is how important it is to advocate for yourself. If something doesn’t feel right: Say something. Ask questions. Get another opinion. You know your body better than anyone. You are stronger than you realize.
Today, I am working toward becoming a nurse practitioner. My experience has fueled my passion to educate others, patients and future healthcare providers alike, about this disease.
Sarcoidosis is known as “the great mimicker,” and awareness is critical for earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
This is why this fundraiser is so important to me. April is National Sarcoidosis Awareness Month, and sharing my story is deeply personal. My hope is that it helps someone feel seen, heard, and not alone and that it brings more awareness, more research funding, better treatments, and one day, a cure.
If you’re able, please consider donating or sharing this page to help raise awareness and support research for Sarcoidosis.
To my fellow Sarcoid Warriors—you are not alone. We are fighters. We are strong. We are Sarcoid Strong 💪💜
Sarcoidosis is a disease that many people have never heard of, yet it affects thousands of individuals and families. It can impact multiple organs and often goes undiagnosed or misunderstood. That’s why the work FSR is doing is so important — they fund research, provide patient support, and push toward better treatments and a cure.
Here is How YOU Can Help
1. Donate if you’re able — no amount is too small
2. Share this page to help spread awareness
Every bit of support means more than I can put into words. You’re not just donating — you’re helping bring hope, answers, and progress to those living with sarcoidosis.
Thank you for being part of this journey, my story, and the many others together we are taking Steps to See Sarcoidosis.
Click here for more information on sarcoidosis and the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research.
Cara
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