Calvin Harris,  —

Calvin serves as chief financial officer for the National Urban League. He grew up in Maryland, near Washington, D.C., and now lives in Brooklyn, New York. He was diagnosed with sarcoidosis in 2014, with the condition affecting his lungs, skin, lymph nodes, and bones. Despite the challenges of the condition, Calvin strives to live a balanced life in service of others. His column, “Run Your Own Race,” is inspired by his newfound enjoyment of running, something that his first sarcoidosis doctor told him was not possible, but later doctors encouraged. He hopes that his column will help remind fellow patients and others that our sarcoidosis journey is uniquely our own race to run.

Articles by Calvin Harris

‘It’s Hard to Be What You Can’t See’

For those with sarcoidosis, one of the most challenging aspects of the disease is finding folks who are just like us. I’m not referring to race, gender, or any other characteristic that differentiates us as individuals. I’m talking about the things that make us the same. I’m talking about finding…

Asking ‘What If?’ Can Be Worse Than Failure

“Well, listen to your lungs.” Those were the first words from my doctor’s mouth, following his slight look of concern. It was early 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic began in the United States, and I had boldly (and perhaps foolishly) told him that I was running a half-marathon in…