Kaleidoscope sparks new Sarcoidosis Awareness Month campaign
‘See Sarcoidosis’ initiative spotlights disease's 'complex, ever-changing nature'
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To mark Sarcoidosis Awareness Month, celebrated each April, the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR) has launched a global campaign that was sparked by a kaleidoscope.
This year’s awareness initiative — dubbed “See Sarcoidosis” — is designed to spotlight the many presentations of sarcoidosis, which affects each patient differently, and the challenges that can come with recognizing the rare condition, according to a foundation press release.
Every April, which was officially recognized as Sarcoidosis Awareness Month in the U.S. last year, supporters are asked to educate others and help raise awareness about this complex inflammatory disease and its impact on patients and families. World Sarcoidosis Day is celebrated on April 13.
“In 2026, the [FSR] invites everyone to See Sarcoidosis, a theme that highlights the many unseen ways the disease affects each person,” the foundation states on its campaign webpage. “To bring this idea to life, the campaign incorporates a kaleidoscope visual—symbolizing the complex, ever-changing nature of sarcoidosis.”
Mary McGowan, FSR’s president and CEO, said “a kaleidoscope of shifting patterns reminds us that sarcoidosis is never one story, but many — each patient a unique expression of complexity, change, and resilience.”
Each week of April will spotlight a different theme, beginning with “See Sarcoidosis — Make It Visible,” to raise awareness through education and storytelling. Week 2, “See Sarcoidosis — Spotlight Our Strength,” will emphasize the sarcoidosis community’s resilience and the power of connection.
The third week of April will focus on “See Sarcoidosis — Look Deeper,” putting the spotlight on research, timely diagnosis, and better communication between patients and physicians, while week 4, “See Sarcoidosis — Looking Forward: The Future is Bright,” will close the month on a message of hope.
The aim, according to the FSR, is for continued momentum to advance the development of better treatments and a potential cure.
“Throughout the month, we’re highlighting the strength of this community, the urgency for deeper understanding, and the collective action needed to improve diagnosis, expand treatment options through research, and move closer to a cure,” McGowan said.
Virtual, in-person events lined up for awareness month
As in previous years, the FSR is encouraging people to take part in several ways throughout the month, including sharing personal stories, posting photos using the color purple — the internationally recognized color for sarcoidosis — and sharing the foundation’s posts and resources.
The foundation provides a social media toolkit, with recommended hasghtags including #SeeSarcoidosis, #StopSarcoidosis, #SarcoidosisAwareness, and #PostinPurple.
Supporters also can join awareness events and community activities scheduled during April, including virtual and in-person opportunities designed to bring patients, families, advocates, and supporters together.
Among them is “Take Steps to See Sarcoidosis,” a virtual awareness and fundraising challenge that invites participants to help reach a collective goal of 1.2 million steps, symbolizing the estimated number of people worldwide living with the disease. Participants also are being encouraged to complete 12,000 steps by April 30.
Other virtual offerings include:
- a webinar focused on evidence-based strategies for pain relief, slated for April 17
- a sarcoidosis 101 webinar on April 23
- a webinar where an FRS grant awardee will present findings from a research study, planned for April 30
In-person events include a Sarcoidosis Awareness Meet Up at the Carillon Park shelter in Richmond, Virginia, on April 12.
FSR is also urging advocates to ask their members of Congress to join the bipartisan Congressional Sarcoidosis Caucus, a group focused on raising awareness, advancing research, and improving patient outcomes.
According to the organization, joining the caucus signals critical support for the sarcoidosis community and helps bring greater federal attention and resources to the disease. To help supporters take part, FSR is offering advocacy tools and a sample letter that individuals can use to contact their representatives.
