Sarc Fighter: Living with Sarcoidosis and other rare diseases

By John CarlinMedicine Health & Fitness Fitness

Sarc Fighter: Living with Sarcoidosis and other rare diseases episodes

December 01, 2025 Episode 152 Basim Karim is fighting sarcoidosis while being HIV positive
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 [email protected]
#sarcoidosis #sarcoidosisawareness #fmla #fmlaclarification

46 min
November 17, 2025 Episode 151 | Dr. Thomas Leung is using skin research to unravel the mysteries of sarcoidosis
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 [email protected]
#sarcoidosis #sarcoidosisawareness #fmla #fmlaclarification

56 min
November 04, 2025 Episode 150 | Chris Cermak has hypercalcemia caused by sarcoidosis
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 [email protected]
#sarcoidosis #sarcoidosisawareness #fmla #fmlaclarification
57 min
October 21, 2025 Episode 149 | A look at Sarcoidosis from 20,000 feet and when to fire your doctor
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 [email protected]
#sarcoidosis #sarcoidosisawareness #fmla #fmlaclarification

35 min
October 06, 2025 Episode 148 | The FMLA Clarification Part 2 - A real life story of the perils of trying to stay in a clinical trial and how FSR achieved the FMLA Clarification
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 [email protected]
#sarcoidosis #sarcoidosisawareness #fmla #fmlaclarification

54 min
September 22, 2025 Episode 147 | The FMLA Clarification -- Part 1 Allowing patients to use FMLA to participate in clinical trials
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 [email protected]
#sarcoidosis #sarcoidosisawareness

1 hr 9 min
September 08, 2025 Episode 146 | A solid dose of perspective and are sarcoidosis patients more likely to get kidney stones?
In this episode of the FSR Sarc Fighter Podcast, it's time to think. Borrowing some thoughts from a man who faced a possibly fatal brain condition, I look at how similar his case is to our own -- bearing in mind that he expresses his case so much better than most people can or could. Also, Sarcoidosis News is out with a study showing that Black Women are more likely to develop kidney stones than other groups.
Show Notes
Eric Markowitz's Essay: https://bigthinkmedia.substack.com/p/what-brain-surgery-taught-me-about
The Big Think https://substack.com/@bigthinkmedia
Black Women and Kidney Stones https://sarcoidosisnews.com/news/sarcoidosis-increases-risk-kidney-stones-black-women-us/
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 [email protected]
#sarcoidosis #sarcoidosisawareness

31 min
August 25, 2025 Episode 145 | Scarlett is the youngest sarc patient yet
Scarlette Washlock was diagnosed with sarcoidosis when she was just 12 years old. Her mother, Kelly McBride, had to raise her daughter with all the anguish and uncertainties that come with Sarcoidosis, compounded by Scarlett's youth and her desire to stay active at school. Together they succeeded. Scarlette had a good high school experience and joins me on the podcast from her new freshman digs at Ohio State University, where she hopes a pre-med path is the one she can take. Listen in as Scarlette and her mom discuss their journey as they took on sarcoidosis.
Show Notes
Scarlette's Essays:
https://www.stopsarcoidosis.org/diagnosed-at-12-sarcoidosis/

Pediatric Sarcoidosis: How My Skin Was Affected 12-18 Years Old - Future of Personal Health

Sarcoidosis News Story on Ocular Sarc: https://sarcoidosisnews.com/news/tailored-progressive-treatment-urged-ocular-sarcoidosis-study

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 [email protected]
#sarcoidosis #sarcoidosisawareness

1 hr 7 min
August 06, 2025 Episode 144 | Cathleen Terrano dances on despite Sarcoidisis
Cathleen Terrano has sarcoidosis. It's in her kidneys. In her heart. In her lungs. On her spinal cord. Other places too. And yet she has danced with some famous people and keeps on dancing and teaching dance to people who might otherwise miss out on life's precious moments -- like a father-daughter dance at a wedding. Cathleen rocks bright purple hair so people will ask her about it -- and open a pathway to talk about sarcoidosis. In this episode of the FSR Sarc fighter podcast hear Cathleen's story.
Also an update on FSR's recent awards to young researchers and a big think about how a simple pencil can be a model for us all!

Show Notes
Links to Cathleen's many activities:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwXGeOoXOJU

https://www.facebook.com/p/Roll-Call-Wheelchair-Dance-LI-100057573214676/

https://www.newsday.com/.../new-york-emmys-2024-img8jzdl

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=832500922012341&set=a.526379722624464

https://www.facebook.com/cathleen.terrano/

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 [email protected]
#sarcoidosis #sarcoidosisawareness

1 hr 8 min
July 21, 2025 Episode 143 | Why Sarc patients MUST exercise and the New FSR Patient Registry explained
On Episode 143 of the FSR Sarc Fighter Podcast, I have two guests. Taylor Harwood, Senior Research Coordinator for FSR, joins me to explain the new and improved patient registry. Even if you've already registered, there is a small step you need to take to ensure researchers can find and use your valuable information. Also joining me is physical therapist Marion Paetznik, who will tell you why it's so important to get or stay moving if you have sarcoidosis.

Show Notes
FSR Patient Registry https://www.stopsarcoidosis.org/patient-registry/

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 [email protected]
#sarcoidosis #sarcoidosisawareness

57 min