Town of Brookhaven Recognizes Sarcoidosis Awareness Month in April

(Photo: Town of Brookhaven) Frank Rivera presents the proclamation presented to him by the Brookhaven Town Board at its April 4 meeting. Also pictured (left to right) are Councilman Neil Manzella; Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich; Councilwoman Jane Bonner; Supervisor Dan Panico; Councilmember Karen Dunne Kesnig; Town Clerk Kevin LaValle and Councilman Michael Loguercio.

The Town of Brookhaven has officially declared April as Sarcoidosis Month. This declaration came during the April 4 Town Board meeting, where Councilwoman Jane Bonner presented a proclamation to Frank Rivera, founder of Sarcoidosis of Long Island.

Rivera has been at the forefront of raising awareness and supporting those affected by Sarcoidosis since his own diagnosis in 2011. Under his leadership, Sarcoidosis of Long Island has become a beacon of hope and resource for patients and their families, offering support and advocating for further research into this rare disease that causes clusters of inflammatory cells to form in various organs, potentially leading to severe health complications.

Rivera’s advocacy extends beyond local efforts; he has been a voice for Sarcoidosis patients at the state and federal levels, including speaking at Congressional briefings. His work as a National Ambassador for the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research, among other roles, underscores his commitment to advancing the understanding and treatment of rare diseases.

For more information on Sarcoidosis of Long Island and how to support their mission, visit www.sarcoidosisofli.org.