Bernie Mac, the iconic comedian known for his roles in “The Original Kings of Comedy” and “The Bernie Mac Show,” tragically passed away in 2008. His death brought the inflammatory disease sarcoidosis into the public spotlight, particularly within the African American community, which is disproportionately affected by this condition. While the world mourned the loss of a comedic legend, his passing also underscored the seriousness of sarcoidosis and the need for greater research and treatment options.
Bernie Mac suffered from sarcoidosis for many years. This disease, characterized by the formation of granulomas (clumps of inflammatory cells) in various organs, most commonly attacks the lungs and lymph nodes. In Bernie Mac’s case, sarcoidosis significantly impacted his lungs. While sarcoidosis itself is a serious condition, it was not directly the cause of his death. Instead, Bernie Mac died from complications of pneumonia that arose as a result of his weakened condition due to sarcoidosis. He was hospitalized and battling pneumonia when he succumbed to cardiac arrest on August 9, 2008, at the age of 50.
His battle with sarcoidosis and the subsequent complications highlighted the challenges faced by individuals living with this chronic illness. In honor of his legacy and to advance the fight against this disease, the Bernie Mac Sarcoidosis Translational Advanced Research (STAR) Center was established at UI Health in Chicago. This center stands as a testament to his impact and a beacon of hope for patients and families affected by sarcoidosis.
The Bernie Mac STAR Center is dedicated to providing outstanding care for patients with all forms of sarcoidosis. Recognizing the complexities of this multi-system disease, the center employs a multidisciplinary team of experts. Pulmonologists, rheumatologists, pharmacists, clinical and research nurses, and research associates collaborate to offer comprehensive and cutting-edge treatment. They also work closely with specialists in cardiology, ophthalmology, neurology, and dermatology to address the diverse manifestations of sarcoidosis. This collaborative approach ensures patients receive holistic care tailored to their individual needs, reflecting the most advanced research and treatment options available.
Research is a cornerstone of the STAR Center’s mission. Driven by funding from the National Institutes of Health, researchers at the center are focused on unraveling the genetic and genomic underpinnings of sarcoidosis. Their work aims to identify biomarkers that can predict an individual’s risk of developing sarcoidosis, their response to different treatments, and their overall prognosis. Ultimately, this research seeks to pave the way for personalized medicine in sarcoidosis, allowing for targeted therapies and improved patient outcomes. The center actively participates in clinical trials, evaluating new therapeutic strategies and offering patients access to innovative treatments.
The STAR Center’s commitment extends to addressing health disparities within the sarcoidosis community. Located in Chicago, the center actively works to reduce disparities among sarcoidosis patients, particularly within the African American population, which is disproportionately affected by the disease. Since its inception in 2012, the STAR Center at UI Health has witnessed a significant 70 percent increase in sarcoidosis patients seeking treatment at the hospital, demonstrating its growing impact and reach.
The dedicated team at the Bernie Mac STAR Center is led by Founder and Director Dr. Nadera Sweiss. Alongside her are esteemed physicians including Dr. Christian Ascoli, Dr. Christen Vagts, Dr. Steve Dudek, and Dr. Jeffrey Jacobson, each bringing specialized expertise to the center. The administrative operations are directed by Beena E. Mathew, with Silvia Galicia serving as Executive Assistant and Anita Herriott as Assistant Director of Clinical Support Operations. This team works tirelessly to provide compassionate care and advance the understanding and treatment of sarcoidosis.
Located at the Outpatient Care Center, Suite 3C, 1801 W. Taylor St. Chicago, Illinois 60612, the Bernie Mac STAR Center welcomes patients seeking specialized care for sarcoidosis. Appointments can be made through the Pulmonary Sarcoid Clinic at 312.413.4244 or for Rheumatology Comprehensive Sarcoid Care by contacting Silvia Galicia at 312.355.7911 or Anita Herriott at 312.996.2544. For those wishing to support the vital work of the center, donations can be made by clicking here.
Bernie Mac’s legacy extends beyond his comedic genius. His struggle with sarcoidosis has inspired critical research and patient care initiatives. The Bernie Mac STAR Center stands as a powerful tribute to his life, dedicated to improving the lives of individuals affected by sarcoidosis through advanced research, comprehensive treatment, and a commitment to health equity.
