Here at the end of 2025, it's time to measure our progress in the fight against Sarcoidosis -- and the news is good. In this episode of the FSR Sarc Fighter Podcast, Tricha Shivas, the Chief of Staff and Strategy at the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research, joins me to talk about huge strides in research funding, building the support community, Veterans' support, and even progress with lawmakers in Washington, D.C. In short, this is a good time to be a sarc patient -- as more and more progress is being made and even more is coming in 2026.

Show Notes

MORE FROM JOHN:

Cycling with Sarcoidosis http://carlinthecyclist.com/category/cycling-with-sarcoidosis/

Do you like the official song for the Sarc Fighter podcast? It's also an FSR fundraiser! If you would like to donate in honor of Mark Steier and the song, Zombie, Here is a link to his KISS account. (Kick In to Stop Sarcoidosis) 100-percent of the money goes to the Foundation. https://stopsarcoidosis.rallybound.org/MarkSteier

The Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research https://www.stopsarcoidosis.org/

Donate to my KISS (Kick In to Stop Sarcoidosis) fund for FSR https://stopsarcoidosis.rallybound.org/JohnCarlinVsSarcoidosis?fbclid=IwAR1g2ap1i1NCp6bQOYEFwOELdNEeclFmmLLcQQOQX_Awub1oe9bcEjK9P1E

My story on Television https://www.stopsarcoidosis.org/news-anchor-sarcoidosis/

email me carlinagency@gmail.com

#sarcoidosis #sarcoidosisawareness #fmla #fmlaclarification #metformin

A new study out of India shows a bit of crossover between sarcoidosis and lung cancer. In this episode of the FSR Sarc Fighter podcast, I'll take a look at the study and what it reveals — including a new drug, Metformin, previously used to treat Type 2 Diabetes, that may show promise based on the study's findings. For what it's worth, I'll also share the terrors of surgery for my ruptured Achilles.

Show Notes:

Donate to FSR: https://stopsarcoidosis.rallybound.org/gratitude-and-giving-2025

FSR Biomarker Summit: https://www.stopsarcoidosis.org/fsr-convenes-global-leaders-for-landmark-clinic-alliance-meeting-and-sarcoidosis-biomarker-summit/

Sarcoidosis News Study from India: https://sarcoidosisnews.com/news/new-genetic-clues-connect-sarcoidosis-lung-cancer-risk

More from FSR: https://www.stopsarcoidosis.org/fsr-receives-confirmation-from-the-department-of-labor-ensuring-patient-access-to-fmla-for-participation-in-clinical-trials/

MORE FROM JOHN:

Cycling with Sarcoidosis http://carlinthecyclist.com/category/cycling-with-sarcoidosis/

Do you like the official song for the Sarc Fighter podcast? It's also an FSR fundraiser! If you would like to donate in honor of Mark Steier and the song, Zombie, Here is a link to his KISS account. (Kick In to Stop Sarcoidosis) 100-percent of the money goes to the Foundation. https://stopsarcoidosis.rallybound.org/MarkSteier

The Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research https://www.stopsarcoidosis.org/

Donate to my KISS (Kick In to Stop Sarcoidosis) fund for FSR https://stopsarcoidosis.rallybound.org/JohnCarlinVsSarcoidosis?fbclid=IwAR1g2ap1i1NCp6bQOYEFwOELdNEeclFmmLLcQQOQX_Awub1oe9bcEjK9P1E

My story on Television https://www.stopsarcoidosis.org/news-anchor-sarcoidosis/

email me carlinagency@gmail.com

#sarcoidosis #sarcoidosisawareness #fmla #fmlaclarification #metformin

Basim Karim is a fighter. He's battled HIV for more than two decades, has had COVID five times, and now has Sarcoidosis in multiple parts of his body. Doctors face a special problem with him because he cannot allow his immune system to be too depressed, or he faces consequences even greater than sarcoidosis. Basim joins me to tell his story.

Show Notes

Basim's Reddit thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/NewToSarcoidosis/s/pmNebor2Ve

Sarcoidosis News Ohio State Study: https://sarcoidosisnews.com/news/sarcoidosis-get-referral-lungs-soon-diagnosis

Sarcoidosis News - Repurposing Drugs: https://sarcoidosisnews.com/news/repurposing-drugs-improves-survival-sarcoidosis-patients-study/

Dr. Thomas Leung: https://www.thomasleunglab.org/

Sarcoidosis News Article: https://sarcoidosisnews.com/news/sarcoidosis-often-chronic-disease-affects-multiple-organs

OP-ED by Dr. Ennis James in STAT: https://www.statnews.com/2025/09/24/clinical-trial-patient-fmla-foundation-sarcoidosis-research-job-security/

SHRM: https://www.shrm.org/

FSR News Release: https://www.stopsarcoidosis.org/coalition-to-transform-clinical-trial-engagement-launches-champions-for-change-pto-initiative/

More from FSR: https://www.stopsarcoidosis.org/fsr-receives-confirmation-from-the-department-of-labor-ensuring-patient-access-to-fmla-for-participation-in-clinical-trials/

MORE FROM JOHN:

Cycling with Sarcoidosis http://carlinthecyclist.com/category/cycling-with-sarcoidosis/

Do you like the official song for the Sarc Fighter podcast? It's also an FSR fundraiser! If you would like to donate in honor of Mark Steier and the song, Zombie, Here is a link to his KISS account. (Kick In to Stop Sarcoidosis) 100-percent of the money goes to the Foundation. https://stopsarcoidosis.rallybound.org/MarkSteier

The Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research https://www.stopsarcoidosis.org/

Donate to my KISS (Kick In to Stop Sarcoidosis) fund for FSR https://stopsarcoidosis.rallybound.org/JohnCarlinVsSarcoidosis?fbclid=IwAR1g2ap1i1NCp6bQOYEFwOELdNEeclFmmLLcQQOQX_Awub1oe9bcEjK9P1E

My story on Television https://www.stopsarcoidosis.org/news-anchor-sarcoidosis/

email me carlinagency@gmail.com

#sarcoidosis #sarcoidosisawareness #fmla #fmlaclarification

What if the cause and a potential cure for sarcoidosis were hidden in plain view -- on your skin? According to research by Dr. Thomad Leung in Philadelphia, that might be the case. In this episode of the FSR Sarc Fighter podcast, Dr. Leung explains how his team of researchers is using the skin to investigate how the body sends a homing signal to cells that create damaging granulomas in any part of the body, including the lungs, heart, and nervous system. Listen in as Dr. Leung describes breaking down cells and looking for a potential biomarker that could lead to sarcoidosis being diagnosed with a blood test.

Show Notes

Dr. Thomas Leung: https://www.thomasleunglab.org/

Sarcoidosis News Article: https://sarcoidosisnews.com/news/sarcoidosis-often-chronic-disease-affects-multiple-organs

OP-ED by Dr. Ennis James in STAT: https://www.statnews.com/2025/09/24/clinical-trial-patient-fmla-foundation-sarcoidosis-research-job-security/

SHRM: https://www.shrm.org/

FSR News Release: https://www.stopsarcoidosis.org/coalition-to-transform-clinical-trial-engagement-launches-champions-for-change-pto-initiative/

More from FSR: https://www.stopsarcoidosis.org/fsr-receives-confirmation-from-the-department-of-labor-ensuring-patient-access-to-fmla-for-participation-in-clinical-trials/

MORE FROM JOHN:

Cycling with Sarcoidosis http://carlinthecyclist.com/category/cycling-with-sarcoidosis/

Do you like the official song for the Sarc Fighter podcast? It's also an FSR fundraiser! If you would like to donate in honor of Mark Steier and the song, Zombie, Here is a link to his KISS account. (Kick In to Stop Sarcoidosis) 100-percent of the money goes to the Foundation. https://stopsarcoidosis.rallybound.org/MarkSteier

The Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research https://www.stopsarcoidosis.org/

Donate to my KISS (Kick In to Stop Sarcoidosis) fund for FSR https://stopsarcoidosis.rallybound.org/JohnCarlinVsSarcoidosis?fbclid=IwAR1g2ap1i1NCp6bQOYEFwOELdNEeclFmmLLcQQOQX_Awub1oe9bcEjK9P1E

My story on Television https://www.stopsarcoidosis.org/news-anchor-sarcoidosis/

email me carlinagency@gmail.com

#sarcoidosis #sarcoidosisawareness #fmla #fmlaclarification

We've talked about a lot of different ways sarcoidosis can affect the body. But this is the first time we've talked to a patient who has hypercalcemia -- where there is too much calcium in the blood. And yes, it can be caused by sarcoidosis. It's a story Chris Cermak is living with, even though his blood calcium reached dangerously high levels.

Show notes:

More from the FSR Gala: https://www.stopsarcoidosis.org/25-gala/

Sarcoidosis News Article: https://sarcoidosisnews.com/news/sarcoidosis-often-chronic-disease-affects-multiple-organs

OP-ED by Dr. Ennis James in STAT: https://www.statnews.com/2025/09/24/clinical-trial-patient-fmla-foundation-sarcoidosis-research-job-security/

SHRM: https://www.shrm.org/

FSR News Release: https://www.stopsarcoidosis.org/coalition-to-transform-clinical-trial-engagement-launches-champions-for-change-pto-initiative/

More from FSR: https://www.stopsarcoidosis.org/fsr-receives-confirmation-from-the-department-of-labor-ensuring-patient-access-to-fmla-for-participation-in-clinical-trials/

MORE FROM JOHN:

Cycling with Sarcoidosis http://carlinthecyclist.com/category/cycling-with-sarcoidosis/

Do you like the official song for the Sarc Fighter podcast? It's also an FSR fundraiser! If you would like to donate in honor of Mark Steier and the song, Zombie, Here is a link to his KISS account. (Kick In to Stop Sarcoidosis) 100-percent of the money goes to the Foundation. https://stopsarcoidosis.rallybound.org/MarkSteier

The Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research https://www.stopsarcoidosis.org/

Donate to my KISS (Kick In to Stop Sarcoidosis) fund for FSR https://stopsarcoidosis.rallybound.org/JohnCarlinVsSarcoidosis?fbclid=IwAR1g2ap1i1NCp6bQOYEFwOELdNEeclFmmLLcQQOQX_Awub1oe9bcEjK9P1E

My story on Television https://www.stopsarcoidosis.org/news-anchor-sarcoidosis/

email me carlinagency@gmail.com

#sarcoidosis #sarcoidosisawareness #fmla #fmlaclarification

A lot of people find the podcast because they are trying to figure out what's going on in their bodies. They know they have sarcoidosis, but they don't know what it is, how serious it is, or whether it will get worse or maybe - go away. Then there's the question of multi-organ involvement. How common is it and which organs are most often impacted? In this episode of the FSR Sarc Fighter podcast, a look at a new report from Sarcoidosis News that takes a deep dive on many of those questions. Also -- I had a rough visit with my new doctor at my local hospital, and I'm thinking about finding a new doctor. Should I? You decide.

Feeling good on my mountain bike!

Show notes:

Sarcoidosis News Article: https://sarcoidosisnews.com/news/sarcoidosis-often-chronic-disease-affects-multiple-organs

OP-ED by Dr. Ennis James in STAT: https://www.statnews.com/2025/09/24/clinical-trial-patient-fmla-foundation-sarcoidosis-research-job-security/

SHRM: https://www.shrm.org/

FSR News Release: https://www.stopsarcoidosis.org/coalition-to-transform-clinical-trial-engagement-launches-champions-for-change-pto-initiative/

More from FSR: https://www.stopsarcoidosis.org/fsr-receives-confirmation-from-the-department-of-labor-ensuring-patient-access-to-fmla-for-participation-in-clinical-trials/

MORE FROM JOHN:

Cycling with Sarcoidosis http://carlinthecyclist.com/category/cycling-with-sarcoidosis/

Do you like the official song for the Sarc Fighter podcast? It's also an FSR fundraiser! If you would like to donate in honor of Mark Steier and the song, Zombie, Here is a link to his KISS account. (Kick In to Stop Sarcoidosis) 100-percent of the money goes to the Foundation. https://stopsarcoidosis.rallybound.org/MarkSteier

The Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research https://www.stopsarcoidosis.org/

Donate to my KISS (Kick In to Stop Sarcoidosis) fund for FSR https://stopsarcoidosis.rallybound.org/JohnCarlinVsSarcoidosis?fbclid=IwAR1g2ap1i1NCp6bQOYEFwOELdNEeclFmmLLcQQOQX_Awub1oe9bcEjK9P1E

My story on Television https://www.stopsarcoidosis.org/news-anchor-sarcoidosis/

email me carlinagency@gmail.com

#sarcoidosis #sarcoidosisawareness #fmla #fmlaclarification

It's not always easy to participate in a clinical trial. Even if you want to, how do you get the time off from work? Starting in 2025, thanks to the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research, there is a provision called the FMLA Clarification, which essentially states that you can participate without fear of losing your job. In this episode of the FSR Sarc Fighter Podcast, Dr. Ennis James, a sarcoidosis researcher and physician at the Medical University of South Carolina, and Tricha Shivas, Chief of Staff and Strategy at FSR join me to talk about how difficult life can be for patients. Dr. James shares a real-life story about a woman who fought to stay in a trial after problems arose at work.

SHOW NOTES

OP-ED by Dr. Ennis James in STAT: https://www.statnews.com/2025/09/24/clinical-trial-patient-fmla-foundation-sarcoidosis-research-job-security/

SHRM: https://www.shrm.org/

FSR News Release: https://www.stopsarcoidosis.org/coalition-to-transform-clinical-trial-engagement-launches-champions-for-change-pto-initiative/

More from FSR: https://www.stopsarcoidosis.org/fsr-receives-confirmation-from-the-department-of-labor-ensuring-patient-access-to-fmla-for-participation-in-clinical-trials/

MORE FROM JOHN:

Cycling with Sarcoidosis http://carlinthecyclist.com/category/cycling-with-sarcoidosis/

Do you like the official song for the Sarc Fighter podcast? It's also an FSR fundraiser! If you would like to donate in honor of Mark Steier and the song, Zombie, Here is a link to his KISS account. (Kick In to Stop Sarcoidosis) 100-percent of the money goes to the Foundation. https://stopsarcoidosis.rallybound.org/MarkSteier

The Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research https://www.stopsarcoidosis.org/

Donate to my KISS (Kick In to Stop Sarcoidosis) fund for FSR https://stopsarcoidosis.rallybound.org/JohnCarlinVsSarcoidosis?fbclid=IwAR1g2ap1i1NCp6bQOYEFwOELdNEeclFmmLLcQQOQX_Awub1oe9bcEjK9P1E

My story on Television https://www.stopsarcoidosis.org/news-anchor-sarcoidosis/

email me carlinagency@gmail.com

#sarcoidosis #sarcoidosisawareness #fmla #fmlaclarification

Let's say you or a family member wants to participate in a clinical trial, but the boss doesn't want you to have the time off because of extra visits to the doctor's office. Under new rules spearheaded by the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research, companies must now allow patients time away from the job without fear of losing their employment. In this special edition of the FSR Sarc Fighter Podcast, FSR CEO Mary McGowan joins me, along with Emily Dickens, Chief of Staff, Head of Government Affairs, and Corporate Secretary for Society for Human Resources Management. Together they will walk us through the new guidelines for HR departments when it comes to allowing employees to participate in clinical trials. @SHRM #SHRM #humanresources #clinicaltrial

Show Notes

SHRM: https://www.shrm.org/

FSR News Release: https://www.stopsarcoidosis.org/coalition-to-transform-clinical-trial-engagement-launches-champions-for-change-pto-initiative/

More from FSR: https://www.stopsarcoidosis.org/fsr-receives-confirmation-from-the-department-of-labor-ensuring-patient-access-to-fmla-for-participation-in-clinical-trials/

MORE FROM JOHN:

Cycling with Sarcoidosis http://carlinthecyclist.com/category/cycling-with-sarcoidosis/

Do you like the official song for the Sarc Fighter podcast? It's also an FSR fundraiser! If you would like to donate in honor of Mark Steier and the song, Zombie, Here is a link to his KISS account. (Kick In to Stop Sarcoidosis) 100-percent of the money goes to the Foundation. https://stopsarcoidosis.rallybound.org/MarkSteier

The Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research https://www.stopsarcoidosis.org/

Donate to my KISS (Kick In to Stop Sarcoidosis) fund for FSR https://stopsarcoidosis.rallybound.org/JohnCarlinVsSarcoidosis?fbclid=IwAR1g2ap1i1NCp6bQOYEFwOELdNEeclFmmLLcQQOQX_Awub1oe9bcEjK9P1E

My story on Television https://www.stopsarcoidosis.org/news-anchor-sarcoidosis/

email me carlinagency@gmail.com

#sarcoidosis #sarcoidosisawareness