April is Sarcoidosis Awareness Month, and as I am affected with this illness I want to contribute to raise awareness of this rare condition. Every penny that we raise together will be given to Sarcoidosis UK so hopefully, we can find a cure.

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease in which the immune system overreacts, causing damage such as fibrosis in different organs of the body. Sarcoidosis most commonly affects the lungs and lymph nodes, but it can also affect the eyes, skin, heart and nervous system.

For me, Sarcoidosis has affected my lugs, lymph nodes, skin and heart, this has changed the way I was living my life. You become a new you, with On and Off days, with pain and fatigue, but also with a new perspective of appreciating every new day.

My challenge for Sarcoidosis UK is to share this story 250 times, that my daughter wrote for me:

"There are many flowers on the field. Roses. Daisies. Tulips. Daffodils. Sunflowers.

But there is one type of flower that may not be as pretty as the others or as colourful as the others but still the most amazing one. That is the dandelion flower.

Dandelions represent one of the most amazing people in the world. The sarcoidosis survivors. The people who brave through sarcoidosis every day of their lives. The people who even when in pain, are still there for you. The people who are stronger than every other flower on the field. The ones that really matter even if you sometimes cannot see them.

Sarcoidosis is an illness that takes many different shapes and forms. It can affect your skin, your lungs, your heart. It is very different for different people just like the different types of dandelions. Some dandelions are tall, some small, some big, some short. After all, there are 250 types of dandelions in the UK

But that doesn't mean that you should look upon a dandelion with pity. Because chances are that the dandelion is stronger than you think.

Sarcoidosis doesn't make dandelions any different from all the other flowers in the field. It just makes them more special.

So next time you find a dandelion, remind yourself of the Sarcoidosis warriors and maybe share this story to raise awareness.

Next time you blow on a dandelion and make a wish: hope that everyone could be as strong and brave as the Sarcoidosis warriors."

More information about Sarcoidosis: https://www.sarcoidosisuk.org/

Help us spread the word!

Thank you!!

---- Update 5 April ----------

My younger daughter Dani would like to draw an illustration for everyone who has donated.

Since Sara wrote the story for me, Dani wanted to find a way to help with this fundraiser. Dani loves drawing doodles and creating colorful illustrations, that is why she has decided to help me by gifting everyone who donates a little doodle. However these amazing pieces will take some time to make, so donors will have to wait until they get theirs!