Join the EXHALE 4 SARCOIDOSIS FOUNDATION DMV Community
Connect with like-minded individuals living with Sarcoidosis
“Living with sarcoidosis. Leading with purpose.” “Still breathless, but never voiceless.” “Amplifying voices, advancing sarcoidosis awareness.”
Marsha Henderson
CEO
Sarcoidosis changed my life, but it did not define my purpose.
Since my diagnoses of pulmonary sarcoidosis in 1995, neurosarcoidosis and skin sarcoidosis in 2012, and most recently affecting my nail beds, I have turned personal challenges into advocacy. I work to address health disparities, amplify patient voices, and create lasting impact through community leadership and public engagement.
💜 Breathe Air 4 Me 💜
My Story
Sarcoidosis did not enter my life quietly.
Before the diagnosis, there was confusion. Exhaustion that sleep couldn’t fix. A body that felt like it was shutting down while I was still trying to show up as a mother, veteran, EMT, and community leader. In 1995, I was diagnosed with pulmonary sarcoidosis. I had never heard of it before. I only knew I was struggling to breathe — and no one around me fully understood why.
Years later, in 2012, neurosarcoidosis changed everything again. The disease had moved beyond my lungs. It affected my nervous system, my balance, my clarity, my stamina. Tasks that once felt routine became mountains.
And then came something even harder than the symptoms the stigma.
The fatigue was so severe that some people assumed I was using drugs. The purple lesions caused by cutaneous sarcoidosis led to whispers that I was being abused. My body was telling one story. The world was telling another.
Imagine fighting for your breath… while also fighting for your reputation.
Eventually, I had to retire on disability. Not because I lacked strength. Not because I lacked commitment. But because sarcoidosis demanded a different pace than the life I had built.
There were moments of fear. Moments of anger. Moments of grief for the woman I used to be.
But there was also something else awakening.
I realized that what I had endured was bigger than me. That my experience reflected the reality of so many African American women whose symptoms are dismissed, whose pain is minimized, and whose diseases are misunderstood.
What began as survival became advocacy.
I chose to speak. I chose to educate. I chose to lead.
Today, my story fuels a mission to dismantle stigma, confront health disparities, and ensure that patients are seen, believed, and represented in research and care.
💜 Breathe Air 4 Me 💜
About EXHALE 4 SARCOIDOSIS FOUNDATION DMV
Our Vision
We envision a world where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive and succeed. At EXHALE 4 SARCOIDOSIS FOUNDATION DMV, we work towards creating a more just and equitable society by advocating for policies that promote social justice and equality.
2023 Congressional Briefing for Sarcoidosis Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C.
A congressional briefing related to sarcoidosis would typically involve presenting information and insights about sarcoidosis to members of Congress or their staff. During the briefing, experts, advocates, or representatives from relevant organizations may provide key information about the prevalence, impact, and challenges associated with sarcoidosis. They may discuss the latest research findings, advancements in treatment options, and the needs of individuals living with sarcoidosis.
The goal of the briefing is to raise awareness among policymakers, seek support for increased research funding, and advocate for policies that can improve the lives of those affected by sarcoidosis. It's an opportunity to educate lawmakers about the disease and its impact on individuals and communities, with the aim of fostering a better understanding and support for initiatives that address sarcoidosis-related issues.
Community Partnership
At the Exhale 4 Sarcoidosis Foundation DMV, we are dedicated to making a positive impact on our community through various programs. One of our most exciting initiatives is the Adopt-A-Block Community Clean Up. Join us in creating a cleaner, healthier, and more vibrant neighborhood!
Our Adopt-A-Block initiative focuses on involving voluntee
At the Exhale 4 Sarcoidosis Foundation DMV, we are dedicated to making a positive impact on our community through various programs. One of our most exciting initiatives is the Adopt-A-Block Community Clean Up. Join us in creating a cleaner, healthier, and more vibrant neighborhood!
Our Adopt-A-Block initiative focuses on involving volunteers who are passionate about community improvement. By adopting a specific block, together we can make a significant difference in the cleanliness and appearance of our neighborhood.
How it works: Volunteers commit to regular clean-up activities to maintain the block they adopt. This includes removing litter, sprucing up green spaces, and contributing to a safer and more welcoming environment.
Benefits: By participating in the Adopt-A-Block program, you actively contribute to the well-being of our community. Additionally, it provides an opportunity for team-building, fostering a sense of pride among participants, and making new connections with like-minded individuals.
How to Get Involved:
Sign up as a volunteer: Visit our website and fill out the volunteer registration form to express your interest in joining the Adopt-A-Block initiative. We will provide you with all the necessary information to get started.
Sponsorship opportunities: If you are a local business or organization looking to support community programs, consider sponsoring the Adopt-A-Block initiative. Contact us to discuss sponsorship benefits and opportunities.
Stay updated: Check our website regularly for upcoming events related to the Adopt-A-Block initiative and other community programs. We also share news about our community impact and success stories from our volunteers.
Conclusion: By participating in the Adopt-A-Block Community Clean Up Initiative and other programs offered by the Exhale 4 Sarcoidosis Foundation DMV, you can actively contribute to the betterment of our community. Join us today and be a part of creating a cleaner, healthier, and more vibrant neighborhood!
Activities & Community Engagement
We offer a variety of meaningful activities and events for our members, including volunteer opportunities, social gatherings, educational workshops, awareness walks, and community outreach initiatives. Our goal is to provide inclusive experiences that foster connection, empowerment, and a strong sense of belonging for all.
Spreading awaren
We offer a variety of meaningful activities and events for our members, including volunteer opportunities, social gatherings, educational workshops, awareness walks, and community outreach initiatives. Our goal is to provide inclusive experiences that foster connection, empowerment, and a strong sense of belonging for all.
Spreading awareness about sarcoidosis is essential to breaking barriers and improving understanding within our communities. Limited knowledge, stigma, and lack of resources often delay diagnosis and support. Through educational workshops and awareness walks, we provide vital information about sarcoidosis, its symptoms, and the importance of early detection.
Breaking the stigma surrounding sarcoidosis ensures that individuals receive timely medical care and compassionate support without judgment. Our community support groups, hosted at local libraries, offer a safe and welcoming space for individuals and families affected by sarcoidosis. These gatherings foster understanding, meaningful connection, and access to trusted resources ultimately enhancing overall well-being and quality of life.
As a patient advocate and community leader, I am committed to ensuring that no one affected by sarcoidosis feels unseen, unheard, or unsupported. Because this journey is about more than a diagnosis it is about resilience, dignity, awareness, and hope. It is about recognizing that sarcoidosis is More Than You Can See.
Help Our Cause
We are committed to the important work of raising awareness: promoting understanding of sarcoidosis among the general public, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to reduce misconceptions and stigma.
To continue making a difference, we need your support. With your contribution no matter the amount we can make significant strides. Your donation helps provide resources, educational materials, and support programs for individuals affected by sarcoidosis, including patients, caregivers, and families.
No donation is too small; every dollar helps fuel our efforts to create a better world. Together, we can make a profound difference and achieve lasting change.
Please consider making a donation today by selecting an amount that is meaningful to you. Your contribution will be used efficiently and transparently to maximize impact.
Thank you for your support and belief in our mission. Together, we can make a positive impact and bring about meaningful change.
Our Sponsors
Join us for the Sarcoidosis Community Awareness Walk, a powerful event dedicated to raising awareness, supporting warriors, and educating the community about sarcoidosis.
Hosted by Marsha Henderson
📅 April 25, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 National Mall – 6th Street Gravel Walkway, Washington, DC
Come walk with us as we raise awareness, inspire hope, and stand together for those living with sarcoidosis.
Register today and be part of the movement!