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Vision

The Sarcoidosis Research Institute [SRI] is recognized and respected worldwide as an innovative and effective humanitarian organization committed to:

• Research into the causes, detection and cure of sarcoidosis
•  Education of professionals, patients and the general public regarding sarcoidosis
• Sarcoidosis patients look to SRI as their primary source of information and support.  SRI serves a diverse group who share the common goal of understanding and overcoming this complex disease.

Mission

SRI endeavors to:

• Provide patient and professional education that will result in enhanced methods of diagnosis and treatment of the disease. 
•  Provide information that will assist patients and their support networks in  the management of the disease. 
• Engage in  research initiatives that will result in a cure for the debilitating disease, sarcoidosis.

Objectives

1. To collaborate with research institutions to increase the volume and enhance the quality of research initiatives in the area of sarcoidosis
2. Increase public awareness of sarcoidosis
3. Educate patients, patient support networks and medical professionals of sarcoidosis.

Definition

Sarcoidosis is a disease for which the cause and cure are not known. Inflamed tissue forms, and attacks any body system or organ. Permanent damage is caused to the affected organs. The prevalence of the disease is approximately 800/100,000. Sarcoidosis is most often treated with the steroid, prednisone for which there are numerous adverse side effects. Sarcoidosis affects each patient differently. Lucky patients experience minimal symptoms with little change to their lifestyles. Thousands of others are totally debilitated by the disease; it has been fatal to many.

History

Feeling tremendously overwhelmed, alone, frustrated and extremely ill, Paula Yette Polite founded the Sarcoidosis Research Institute (SRI). SRI was chartered in the State of Tennessee in 1991.

The Sarcoidosis Research Institute is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to increasing our knowledge of the disease sarcoidosis. This broad goal encompasses three main areas: (1) Disseminating information to professionals who assist with treatment of the disease (2) Obtaining and dispersing funds to assist with investigation into the cause and treatment of the disease and (3) providing support for individuals afflicted with the disease.