On Saturday, October 15^th, Sarcoidosis of Long Island and Stony Brook University Hospital will host the first “Rare Disease Day” forum to inform the public, patient advocates, and healthcare professionals about rare diseases and how they affect patients, relatives, and caregivers. The event is from 10:00am to 3:00pm at the Hilton Garden Inn (1 Circle Road, Stony Brook, NY) and includes presentations by physicians, advocates, and representatives from Global Genes, a not-for-profit organization that focuses on rare disease advocacy and unifying the rare disease community.

 Sarcoidosis of Long Island, a not-for-profit organization created by advocate Frank Rivera, is active across Nassau and Suffolk counties. They provide emotional and financial assistance to individuals living with Sarcoidosis and work in conjunction other organizations on advocacy efforts to help find a cure. The “Rare Disease Day” forum is an effort by the organization to create greater awareness about diseases, like Sarcoidosis, that have in increasing rate of diagnosis.

 The Rare Disease Day event is open to the public and free of charge. To register, please visit https://rareny.ticketleap.com/rarediseaseday/.