ORLAND PARK, Ill. (WLS) — April is National Sarcoidosis Awareness Month.
On Saturday, April 5, The Bernie Mac Foundation is hosting its eighth annual Purple Carpet Fundraiser at the Orland Chateau in Orland Park. This event is organized to generate awareness and funds for researching a cure for a rare inflammatory disease.
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Chicago comedian Bernie Mac battled sarcoidosis since his diagnosis in 1983 until his passing in 2008. The foundation carries on his mission to support individuals in their fight against this illness.
The Bernie Mac Foundation, a nonprofit entity, is committed to fundraising for sarcoidosis research, treatment, and advocacy. Following Mac’s demise, his wife, Rhonda R. McCullough, assumed the role of president and CEO of The Bernie Mac Foundation. The foundation has collaborated with the University of Illinois Hospital Health & Sciences System to establish a center for treating and researching sarcoidosis.
Sarcoidosis is nationally recognized by the color purple, hence the name, Purple Carpet Fundraiser. In 2008, the United States Congress declared April as National Sarcoidosis Awareness Month to bring more attention to the rare multi-system disease.
To purchase tickets to this year’s Purple Carpet Fundraiser, visit www.berniemacfoundation.org.
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