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April Is Sarcoodosis Awareness Month
Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity Presents $40,000 In Scholarships To 5 Young Men
Scholarship recipients and Boule Members, left to right: Tykeem McCord, Jonathan Cardon, Sire Ar- chon James Brookins, Grand Sire Archon Wesley Coleman, Archon Kevin Scott, Stefon Harris, Timothy Garner and Carlos Lovett. (Photograph by BRUNSON)
On Sunday, March 25, 2018, the Gamma Omicron Boule’ (Tampa Bay Area) of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, the nation’s oldest African American fraternity, in partnership with the Tampa Boys and Girls Club, along with over 300 guests honored five outstanding young men at a dinner at TPepin’s Hospitality Cen- tre in Tampa.
The dinner was highlighted by remarks from the national president (Grand Sire Ar- chon) of Sigma Pi Phi, Wesley Coleman of Los Angeles, CA. Dr. James O. Brookins is President of the Tampa Area fraternity.
For the second consecutive year, in con- junction with the fraternity’s Carter G. Woodson Lecture Series, the fraternity and
Boys and Girls Club teamed up to identify, select and offer a total of $40,000 in scho- larships to these five deserving young men.
The recipients were: Jonathan Car- don (Robinson High School), Timothy Garner (Gibbs High School), Stefon Har- ris (Blake High School), Tykeem McCord (Jefferson High School) and Carlos Lovett (Northside Christian High School).
Dr. Brookins said, “The fraternity’s Gamma Omicron Memorial Scholarship program is funded by a combination of do- nations from members, the Boys and Girls Club and other donations. In addition to the scholarship, the young men will receive mentoring by the fraternity members and the Boys and Girls Club.”
The Tampa Support Group has planned sev- eral events for the month
BY GWEN HAYES Sentinel Editor
April is National Sar- coidosis Awareness Month. The Tampa Bay Sarcoidosis Support Group has planned several events for the month.
According to researched information, Sarcoidosis is the growth of tiny collections of inflammatory cells (granu- lomas) in different parts of the body — most commonly the lungs, lymph nodes, eyes and skin.
Doctors believe Sarcoido- sis results from the body’s immune system responding to an unknown substance, most likely something in- haled from the air.
There is no cure for Sar- coidosis, but most people do very well with little or only modest treatment. In half of the cases, Sarcoidosis goes away on its own. In a few cases, however, Sarcoidosis may last for years and may cause organ damage.
Mrs. Maria Andrews
of the Tampa Bay Sarcoidosis Support Group recently re- turned from a FSR confer- ence in Jacksonville. She brought back some very im- portant information to share with the group.
The Tampa Support Group is especially inviting those with Sarcoidosis or those who want to help make a difference to join them on Saturday, April 28, 2018, 11 a. m. at Al Lopez Park (Shelter 307), 4810 N. Himes Ave., for the Annual Picnic and Bal- loon Release.
Other events planned for the month are: April 14, 2018, 12-5 p. m., Line Dance Workshop Day Party at
King’s Point Clubhouse North, 1900 Clubhouse Dr., Sun City. For this event, con- tact Michelle Watkins (813) 453-1375. The theme color is purple and white.
On Sunday, April 15, the Sarcoidosis Group asks the community to join them in purple and white as they wor- ship together at International Harvest Center Church of God, 5512 N 47th St. (33610).
The final event for the Awareness Month Celebra- tion is Saturday.5, 2018, 6 a. m. – 10 a. m., the Belk’s Char- ity Day, at 2111 Collier Park- way, Land O’ Lakes (33549).
Signs and symptoms of Sarcoidosis vary depending on which organs are affected. Sarcoidosis sometimes devel- ops gradually and produces symptoms that last for years. Other times, symptoms ap- pear suddenly and then dis- appear just as quickly. Many people with Sarcoidosis have no symptoms, so the disease may be discovered only when you have a chest X-ray for an- other reason.
MARIA ANDREWS ...Attended recent conference in Jacksonville
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