Wear Purple Day In Honor Of Late Comedian Bernie Mac
(CBS) -- Pink supports breast cancer awareness, red brings attention to heart disease but purple is about sarcoidosis.
"Sarcoidosis is an auto immune disease that affects the organs in the body. Bernie had sarcoidosis of the lungs," said Mary Ann Grossett, executive director of the Bernie Mac Foundation.
She says the "Wear Purple Campaign" is about two things.
"One is to recognize and honor Bernie's birthday and the second is to bring attention to the disease sarcoidosis," Grosset said. "This is the disease he was challenged with."
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The comedian and Chicago native was diagnosed with sarcoidosis when he was in his 20s. He lived with the disease until his death in 2008.
"He would think this was a wonderful tribute especially in Chicago," Grosset said. "He loved Chicago. He considered this his lifelong home. He would be very emotional about this attention he's receiving along with the disease. He would be honored by this outpouring of love and support."
Grossett says they are encouraging fans to take a selfie wearing purple and send it to their Facebook page.
"We are asking folks to take a picture wearing purple of course and send it to our Facebook page. Also on Twitter hashtag Bernie Mac Day, hashtag Whoyouwith, hashtag BMF, hashtag sarcoidosis, hashtag cure," she said.
The Bernie Mac Star Clinic was established in 2012 at the University of Illinois. Grossett says in the last three years, the program has made great strides in research, treatment and someday a cure.
Since its establishment, U of I Health has seen a 70 percent increase in the number of sarcoidosis patients visiting the hospital for treatment.
Bernie Mac, born Bernard Jeffrey McCullough, would've been 58 years old today.
For more information, visit berniemacfoundation.org or the group's Facebook page.
