Today we’d like to introduce you to Dorothea Howard.
Dorothea, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was sitting in a Maryland neighborhood Urgent care in 1984 at the age of 26 years. I was feeling very fatigued, had a persistent, annoying dry cough, drastic weight loss, shortness of breath, tremors and excruciating body pain. I thought perhaps I had the flu. Little did I know that my diagnosis was going to change my entire life.
I was informed that my chest Xray looked suspicious, so I was admitted to the hospital for further testing. On the fifth day, my diagnosis was finally confirmed. By the hospital physicians. The doctor said, “You don’t have Lymphoma, Multiple Sclerosis, or Tuberculosis, you have Pulmonary Sarcoidosis.” I was scared to death because I had a young beautiful daughter who did not know her mom’s new dilemma. All I could think of was, I did not want to die.
Fast forward, after many follow up doctor visits and high dosages of Prednisone, which was then the “Go to Drug ” during that time, I was finally on my way to a slow recovery. Years later, due to the lack of attention, research, funding, empathy, awareness, education, just to name a few, I continued to use myself as an example to help save lives by educating the public about Sarcoidosis.
Sarcoidosis can affect people of all ages but it is most common in men and women between the ages of 20-40 years. It’s an inflammatory disease that causes non-cancerous granulomas that can affect any major organ of your body. Hundreds-of-thousands of people globally are living with disease. Currently, there is still no known cure.
I’m an award-winning television talk show host/Executive producer of the “Let’s Talk Sarcoidosis” show. I know many of my fellow Sarcoidonians have been on this roller coaster ride since their diagnosis, including myself. My foundation was started in April of 2018. My mission is to continue spreading the much-needed attention and awareness about sarcoidosis. I use my “Let’s Talk Sarcoidosis” Show platform to interview world-renowned medical professionals, patients, caregivers, families and highlight the latest resources. Living with a chronic illness can be a challenge for any entrepreneur but I’ve decided to not let my illness define who I am. It fuels me to continue helping people through education. When I was first diagnosed, I was not as fortunate to have the education and resources for living with my disease. Today, I use my show as a powerful voice to help save lives!
“Let’s Talk Sarcoidosis” Promo Reel https://vimeo.com/258085944
Interview with Donald Thomas, M.D. https://youtu.be/hBxRx4tZmHQ
J T Ladies Lounge Radio Interview https://youtu.be/-Kz2nHBPtEg
Maui, Hawaii Promo https://youtu.be/9Go3wMqw3kY
All of my episodes can be viewed in its entirety on my “Let’s Talk Sarcoidosis” YouTube channel.
https://dmfoundationforsar.wixsite.com/website
April is Sarcoidosis Awareness Month https://vimeo.com/330846585
Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road for me. I’ve lived through a collapsed lung twice in my life with this disease. That was the hardest struggle in my life to keep getting knocked down by my illness. However, through the grace of God, I was able to pull through and continue my mission.
Please tell us about Dorothea McGuire Foundation for Sarcoidosis Education.
My foundation is called Dorothea McGuire Foundation for Sarcoidosis Education, Inc. I’m Founding Director. I specialize in Sarcoidosis awareness campaigns and projects through my talk show. I’m proud to have launched my show back in September 2014 in the studio to help the general public to learn about this debilitating disease. Also, to have the opportunity to meet and interview prominent medical professionals to help patients and their families understand sarcoidosis. Lastly, to educate them about resources and support group options for additional help. What set me apart from others is my motivation, inspiration, and dedication to others. Most importantly, because I personally have been afflicted with this illness and totally know what my audience is going through.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Yes, I’m currently bicoastal but I spend a lot of time in California because I do feel it’s a great state for my foundation. Especially because there are many celebrities in the area, who have made their sarcoidosis illness publicly known. I’m hoping to collaborate with some of them one day! If someone was just starting out, I would recommend what I did, which was get in touch with the local media to share your story.
Pricing:
- Prices range from 10k-20k
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dmfoundationforsar.wixsite.com/website
- Phone: 443-762-4282
- Email: dmfoundationforsarcoidosis@gmail.com
- Instagram: Instagram @Letstalksarcoidosis
- Facebook: Facebook/dorotheamcguirefoundationforsarcoidosis
- Twitter: Twitter@infomcguire
- Other: https://youtu.be/hBxRx4tZmHQ
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