Chad Weisgerber
Chad was an intelligent & vibrant father of two girls. He had both a degree in Science and a Masters in teaching as well as his Project Management Certification. One summer Chad got what he though was a bad cold that he just couldn’t shake. After struggling for many months and test after test he was diagnosed with Pulmonary Sarcoidosis. While trying to get his symptoms under control he progressively got worse and eventually struggled to walk and talk. At that point it was discovered that the Sarcoidosis had spread into his brain and was diagnosed with Neurosarcoidosis. Chad’s father John retired and stayed with Chad most days so he would not have to struggle alone. Within months, his wife and daughters came home one day to find him having what was a suspected seizure and had him rushed to the hospital where he was put on life support. After a lenghty stay in ICU we lost him to this devastating disease. Chad believed the cause of his Sarcoidosis was environmental. Being a scientifc mind he searched for answers and believed he knew exactly when he got Sarcoidosis and its cause. He fought valiantly and even permitted a brain biopsy to try to find answers for others. Chad will forever be in our hearts and minds.
Sharon Ralph
Sharon led a healthy lifestyle. In the fall of 1993 she thought she had the flu. This was to be the beginning of 9 years of doctors and pain. It started out with a nagging cough that just wouldn’t go away. Sharp pains in her face soon followed. Her family doctor, along with a medical student who was shadowing her, diagnosed Sharon with Sarcoidosis and shortly thereafter with Trigeminal Neuralgia. Sarcoidosis was not a common disease then so it did take quite awhile to get the proper diagnosis. These diseases led to paralysis of half her head, vocal chords and the ability to swallow anything. Unable to eat or drink, a stomach feeding tube was implanted. Home Care helped with daily living and she paid back with her own baking for her caregivers and their families. The night before she left this world she was baking cookies and squares for home care’s visit the next day. However, she was unknowingly baking for her own memorial service.
Do you know someone or have a loved one that has passed as a result of Sarcoidosis? If so and you would like to share with others via our Memoriam here, please contact us through info@cansarc.com and we would be happy to post a brief story in honour of them.