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‘Sarcoidosis Awareness Day’
Tampa Bay Muslim Alliance Announces New Location For 18th Charity Festival
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Saturday, April 11th, has been designated as world- wide “Sarcoidosis Awareness Day.” Both Governor Rick Scott and Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn have issued proclamations to draw atten- tion to the devastating ill- ness.
Ms. Emma Carroll,
founder of the Tampa Bay Sarcoidosis Support Group contacted Mayor Buck- horn and Governor Scott to request the proclamations.
Ms. Carroll said, “Our goal is to have all 50 states, other countries and commu- nities recognize April as Sar- coidosis Awareness Month and designated as such throughout with planned events. Sarcoidosis Aware- ness activities includes wear- ing the colors purple and white on Saturday.
“People with Sarcoidosis remain a medically under- served population in every country. This day will bring together patients and fami- lies around the globe who are dealing with the very chal- lenging issues associated with Sarcoidosis,” she said.
Ms. Fannie Keith has served as Secretary of the Tampa Bay Sarcoidosis Sup- port Group since its incep- tion. “Our main purpose is letting people who have the illness know that we are here. We meet every 4th Saturday, at 4 p.m., at the C. Blythe An- drews Public Library. You would be surprised at the number of people here in Tampa who have the dis- ease.”
Ms. Keith further said that the goal of the organiza- tion is to bring awareness.
help the people afflicted with this disease.”
Other events planned during the month of April in- clude a Sarcoidosis Aware- ness Rally/Walk on April 18th, beginning at 8 a.m. The walk will take place at McFar- land Park (David Barksdale Center) 1801 N. Lincoln Av- enue. On Sunday, April 19th, the group will visit St. John Progressive Missionary Bap- tist Church, at 11 a.m.
Sarcoidosis is a systemic disease that can affect multi- ple organs, create a variety of symptoms, and occur chroni- cally. The disease can cause blindness, debilitation or even death. Although much has been learned about the disease, its cause remains a mystery.
It is characterized by the formation of cells that can in- flict serious damage to or- gans that result in scarring, weakness, reduced function, and never damage.
HUSAIN NAGAMIA,M.D.
Planned For Saturday
For the past 17 years, the Tampa Bay Muslim Alliance has hosted its Annual Charity Festival in Riverfront Park. The 2015 event, scheduled for April 26th will be held at MacFarlane Park, 1700 N. MacDill Ave., Tampa, 33607. Riverfront Park is currently closed for renovations/up- grades.
“Our last year’s Annual Charity Festival was an over- whelming success and graced by many dignitaries includ- ing our popular City of Tampa Mayor, Bob Buck- horn,” stated Husain Nagamia, MD, Event Chair- man, Tampa Bay Muslim Al- liance, organizers of the 18th event.
According to Dr. Nagamia, the event will fea- ture more than 3,000 meals, more than 1,000 toys will be distributed; 3,000 pieces of
clothing, more than 200 pairs of new shoes; 200 med- ical tests; and raffle more than 100 bicycles.
T h e r e will also be bouncers for the children, clowns, face-paint- ing and magic shows for the
children.
“Like all the previous
events, this year’s event is to promote fellowship, cama- raderie and friendship,” Dr. Nagamia stated.
For additional details on how you can participate call: Hamsa, executive secretary, Tampa Bay Muslim Alliance, (813) 661-6161 or (813) 654- 4466, or email: