Sarcoidosis
Bernic Mac had it. Read about it at the Root. I thought this was interesting information:
Research also suggests that the disease runs in families. It strikes folks aged 20 to 40 and is rarely found in those 60 and over.
The disease may not be as well known as diabetes or high blood pressure, but the ailment hits African Americans particularly hard. Blacks are three times more likely to get the disease than whites, (in the United States, it is eight times more prevalent among blacks than whites) and blacks are apt to be younger when it shows up. African-American women are twice as likely to get the disease than black men, and blacks overall are more likely than whites to die from the disease.
Blacks tend to suffer from a more severe variety of sarcoidosis that is more likely to cause skin lesions and eye inflammation.
Bernie Mac has a Foundation to fight the disease. Donations can be sent to:
The Bernie Mac Foundation for Sarcoidosis; 40 E. 9th St., Suite 601, Chicago, IL 60605
Filed under: Health, Practical Solutions
As-Salaamu `Alaykum,
If it’s related to toxins, there may be a connection between environmental toxins and pollution that existed in his “hood” that he grew up in coupled with his diet. His mother also died fairly young of cancer.
In Southwest Detroit, there are forms of cancer that are particularly higher among the Latinos and Blacks that live in that area, partly due to the plants in that area that let out so many toxins into the air and water. This is what has been dubbed “Environmental Racism.”
Of course, ALLAH (SWT) had decreed for the Angel of Death to get Bernie at that appointed time. If it wasn’t this disease, it would have been something else. He died right on time, not before his time.
Wassalaam
I am stick saddened by his death, as well as that of Isaac’s, both of those brothers will be dearly missed. In November, there’s a movie coming out starring both of these men. I believe Bernie has another coming out next year in April. May Allah have mercy on their souls. Bernie had a deep message in all his comedy, too bad most weren’t able to pick up on it.
My life long friend has this in her family. She’s a new blogger and recently wrote about it http://itsmsnikkitoyou.blogspot.com/2008/08/when-its-time-to-go-home.html
Please welcome her to the blogging community and leave a comment.
ASA,
This African-American disparity may very well be linked to environment and lifestyle. Environmental toxins, however, are not the only cause of the disease. I used to do research on Propionibacterium acnes (the most common bacteria associated with acne) and it has been shown the P. acnes has been directly linked to sarcoidosis.
Like some cancers and many autoimmune diseases, I think this disparity may be a result of both genetic and environmental factors. Sarcoidosis is primarily a problem with the host immune response; so a number of factors could potentially “trigger” the disease.
Disease is essentially a relationship between the host and the pathogen. Opportunistic pathogens, like P. acnes for example, are not necessarily “out to get the host” but when presented with the opportunity they will “infect” our bodies. But it is only when that ratio of the infecting agent to immune control is disproportionate that the threshold of disease is reached.
Personally, I kind of find it hard to believe that his cause of death was unrelated.
As salaamu Alaikum,
I agree with you thelegacymaker, his death could not be totally unrelated to the sarcoid. Although (according to the Dr.’s) his sarcoid condition was in remission, anyone with an active case of this disease, knows the constant (and ever present) feeling of over all ill health. This mostly due to the medical communities seemingly constant (and persistent) need to know as little (it appears to me)about this disease as possible.
I was diagnosed with scaroid back in 1987, and, have had various health issues (none of them singularly life threatening) come about since then. Each time I’ve been seen by doctors, although they act as though they have information about sarcoid related issues, the treatment I receive is always inadequate.
If there is any good to come from this unfortunate and extremely sad event, I do hope that the medical community (with the publics help) will be more open and understanding to the vast others living and dealing daily with the same thing.
I have to say that I’m not exactly sure what contributing factors caused my sarcoidosis. I am a white 37 year old female who grew up in suburban Detroit. I have the more severe form of the disease, stage V pulmonary sarcoid with skin lesion and kidney involvement. I am very saddened by Big Mac’s passing, I was a fan, and didn’t even know he suffered from this horrible disease. I’ve been in remission since 2002, but haven’t felt really well since my diagnosis. I just want to tell people that this disease hides itself really well. What I mean is that many people don’t even know that something is wrong and therefore make the assumption that you’re a hypochondriac and even say incredibly stupid remarks such as, “It’s in your head”, and even doctors make assumptions such as these. I just want those who don’t understand this disease to know that just because you don’t understand this disease, doesn’t mean that it doesn’t really exist. I can’t tell you how many people have really hurt me by pretending to care yet speak horribly behind my back and say vicious things about me to boot. I can’t speak for everyone, but for myself, this disease has been evil and has truly changed my life to one of a more sedentary one. I hate that it took someone as talented as Bernie Mac to shine light on this disease, but just maybe Bernie’s passing can have a very big impact on finding out how to stop this crap disease in it’s tracks and at a minimum educating everyone about this very horrible auto-immune disorder. To those who have the disease or live with a sufferer, stay strong and listen to your own body. Not even a doctor knows your body like you do.
I am a white female with 3rd stage Bilaterial Lung Sarcoid.
The doctors could not believe it. I was in my late 30 when diagnoised, I am suppose to be in remission. I just went
for a biopsy for a nodule on my thyroid. will see what that is,
They tell me I do not ” fit ” the requirements to have such a severe case. I am on Plaquniel. It has helped alot. It keeps me away from the steroids. Any one eles on it???
There is a clinic at the DMC in Detroit that follows Sarcoid for research. My insurance at this point will not allow me to do it.
I cannot afford to pay out of pocket. Anyone know of any reasearch going on?????
Hi Vickie
So many people have the same story when it comes to insurance. Something must be done besides letting them collect our premiums for years and in return, them letting us stay sick and/or die without paying for anything.
I have gotten a massive amount of hits from people looking up this disease. I hope that we can benefit from the aftermath of Bernie Mac’s death and awareness will be brought to this situation
Stay strong, and we’ll be praying for you and others like you
I am a 47 yr. old white woman, born and raised in Jamestown, NY. I was diagnoised with Sarcoid in 2003 but they feel I had it alot longer and was being miss diagnoised. I moved to Kentucky in 1991 and went to work for a company that worked out of an old tobacco warehouse. When they finally found out what was wrong I was near death and my lungs were completely white. It attacked not only my lungs but the limps nodes in my neck and chest. Around two yrs. after they discovered my illness my husband, who is now 48 and white also came down this Sarcoid. It attacked his skin more and caused severe pain in all his joints. We were both sadden at Bernie Mac’spassing. The world is a little too quite now. Ours hearts go out to his family. We also have a 13 yr old son. Hopefully this will bring more attention to this and more research will be done.
@The legacymaker,
It does make you wonder? Prior to his death, he was hospitalized under similar circumstances and survived it.
@moble, Joanne, vickie, Georgette, and others
Continue to tell your story! You guys stories really touched my heart and sometimes politicians, researchers, and those in a position to do something about it need to hear personal testimonies like this. Contact your local political representative and push for more money in research for Sarcoidosis. If 1 person calls…”I’ll get back to you”
If 3 people call…”Ok, I’ll get back to you”
If 30 people call…I think something will get done.
I think we can all show our support here:
http://www.stopsarcoidosis.org/index.htm
Sarcoidosis would definitely be a factor in Bernie Mac’s death. I was diagnosed in 1996, it affected my lungs, lymph nodes and it later caused eye inflammation as well as cardiac and neurological problems. No one can believe it because I “look healthy” , if they only knew what I have gone through. It is amazing that I am still alive. I believe that I am alive because of the Marshall Protocol. If you go to http://www.marshallprotocol.com , you will find information. Dr. Trevor Marshall had sarcoidosis and because he is an amazing scientist, he devoted his life to finding a cure for this horrible disease. If you have this disease like I do, then don’t waste any time looking at this treatment plan. One of my dear friends died in 2003 from Sarcoidosis, her doctors refused her the medications in the Marshall Protocol. She is the person who told me about it and I so wish she could have been saved with the MP. When will the medical community wake up and care. I also had seen the expert in Sarcoidosis, Om Sharma, unfortunately his cure is that it always goes away on its own, well it never did. He will not face the fact that people are dying of this disease while he continues to reassure patients that they will get better on their own.
Don’t let this continue to happen to people!!!!!
Support the research for the Marshall Protocol and insurance companies must cover the treatment and medications. Stop killing people with Sarcoidosis !!!
I am sadden by the Death of Mr. Bernie Mac. He was an
entertainer. I was surprise when I heard that he had sarcoidosis. I am to familiar with it because I have it also. I have been on medication since my daughter was born, I don’t really understand the causes and it effects because I try to keep myself healthy. The other thing is that Mr. Mac is the same
age as I am. I wish to send my love and prayers to the family. We all have to stick together and stay strong when a love one passes away. Especially when they are so young. but always remember we love him but God loves him best. May he rest in peace.
The death of Bernie Mac struck me painfully when I found out it was from Sarcoidosis. Sarcoidosis is an auto immune disease which my sister lived with for years before it was properly diagnosed in her late thirties. She is a white and has always lived in the suburbs. She works as a nurse in Boston.
My sister has suffered permanent damage to her lungs and heart. Each time she gets just a little sick it could lead to months of sickness and missed work - but most importantly it could lead to a relapse which could cause her death.
She is followed by a doctor at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston who specializes on the disease.
My husband suffers from diabetes. More research needs to be done into all forms of auto immune disease. A break through in one type can certainly lead to breakthroughs in other illnesses.
Though saddened by his death, I am happy to know the type of like he lead was one of example. I am hopeful that those with the resources and clout will do something to make his life have extra meaning by bringing attention to Sarcoidosis.
I have many of the symptons I recently had blood clots in my lungs, still having chest discomfort, pains in my arms
coughing, dripping nose, ear ache mumps look, redness of the skin. scalp tender to touch…
I will see a lung doctor this week. Hopefully I will learn if this is m y problem and can be treated.
Thanks for all of the great comments
I did it is printed above
Commenting usually isnt my thing, but ive spent an hour on the site, so thanks for the info
sure, really nice to see that people, try to help other people to recover from a condition. some people think there are not they’re problem; and then they should handle it. really like this post and i will visit this site again, when i have the chance.