Helen Blackburn
Helen's page
Fundraising for SarcoidosisUK
Story
I was diagnosed with Sarcoidosis in November 2016, it affected my spleen, lymph nodes and stomach. I was put on steroids for a few months to help get rid of the inflammation, unfortunately it has returned (not that it ever goes away) so I am back on steroids for the time being, this may change but fingers crossed it will settle down again and become stable. I am one of the lucky people, there are lots of people who aren't so lucky and have to live with this disease and all its problems. The run maybe a little more challenging than expected having to train whilst coping with this disease.
WHAT IS SARCOIDOSIS?
Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that can affect almost any organ in the body. It causes heightened immunity, which means that a person's immune system, which normally protects the body from infection and disease, overreacts and damages the body's own tissues. The classic feature of sarcoidosis is the formation of granulomas, microscopic clumps of inflammatory cells that group together (and look like granules, hence the name). When too many of these clumps form in an organ they can interfere with how that organ functions.
Sarcoidosis most commonly affects the lungs and lymph nodes, but the disease can, and usually does affect other organs too, including (but not limited to) the skin, eyes, liver, salivary glands, sinuses, kidneys, heart, the muscles and bones, and the brain and nervous system.
Sarcoidosis is often serious and can even be life-threatening, especially if you don't know you have it. Early diagnosis and treatment of sarcoidosis can help relieve symptoms, reduce inflammation, and stop or minimize organ damage. There is no cure for this disease only treatment.
This disease has been around for over 150 years and very little information exist and little is known about it. I am raising funds for SarcoidosisUK.
SarcoidosisUK is a charity funded solely from personal donations - of both time and money. Sarcoidosis is a rare disease and suffers from poor quality information, low levels of support and almost no research into finding a cure. SarcoidosisUK works to change that. Information and support is mostly done by volunteers allowing us to put the vast majority of funds into research.
Please help me to raise funds for this deserving charity.
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