The National Sarcoidosis Society, NFP (NSS) was created in 1995 and Officially sanctioned in 1996 by Ms Glenda Fulton a now thirty year old Sarcoidosis survivor. NSS is a thirteen-year-old grass root not-for-Profit 501 (c)(3) organization, the first of its kind in Chicago, Illinois

founded because of lack of information or educational awareness on this disease.  In 13 years NSS has been able to address Minority Women with Sarcoidosis Health issues by providing services, information and educational awareness, advocacy, support groups, forums, Referrals, Sarcoidosis conference and assistance on a wide range of health-related issues, in regards to Sarcoidosis. To improve

the overall health of minority women throughout the state of Illinois.

 The mission of NSS is to support, empower and advocate for those inflicted with this disease while strengthening physician/ patient relationships and fighting for services, research, and ultimately a cure for Sarcoidosis.  In 1998 Mayor Richard M. Daley signed a Proclamation proclaiming November 1-30, 1998 to be Sarcoidosis

Awareness Month in Chicago. He went on to commend Ms Glenda Fulton for “bringing the citys' attention to this little Known, but devastating affliction.”  Ms. Fulton continues to be active in all aspects of public awareness from annual participation in the Bud Billiken Parade to newspapers, radio & TV, (over 300 live shows) Appearances and interviews.  With this activism, the number of support groups and state wide partnerships have grown over the pass 13 Years. Attendance has grown as well as awareness, NSS early grass-roots efforts garnered attention and support of the Regional Organ Bank of Illinois (African American Task Force) now The Gift Of Hope, the National Institutes of Health – The Public Interest Organization Group, the Lions Club, the Department of Veterans Affairs Center for Minority Veterans in Washington D.C. and the Illinois Health Coalition for Communities of Color. Through Ms. Fulton‘s efforts with the Illinois State Legislators Two pieces of Legislation has been brought about, one which was Passed (in June 1996 as a result, a Public Act Bill to the public Health Department to bring forth information on symptoms and treatment of Sarcoidosis as well as contact information for any organizations or Research groups afflicted with the disease. The second bill passed in July 2005 put Sarcoidosis on the 1040 Illinois State tax check-off for 2006), these two Sarcoidosis bills are the only Legislation of it kind.