I was diagnosed with Sarcoidosis in 2011. I founded Sarcoidosis of Long Island in 2012. Since then, I have been an advocate for Sarcoidosis. I have represented Sarcoidosis communities as a speaker at two Congressional briefings and appeared on NBC Nightly News in 2018 to discuss "Right to Try" legislation. I am the author of two books, Walking in Silent Pain and I Have Sarcoidosis But It Doesn’t Have Me. I was named(RUGD) Ambassador for Illumina in October 2017, and "Person of the Year” in Brookhaven Town. In 2020, I started Stronger Than Sarcoidosis a nonprofit made by patients for patients. I am married to a great woman. #mentalhealthawarenessmonth The same factors that increase the risk of depression in otherwise healthy people also raise the risk in people with other medical illnesses, particularly if those illnesses are chronic (long-lasting or persistent). These risk factors include a personal or family history of depression or family members who have died by suicide. However, some risk factors for depression are directly related to having another illness. For example, conditions such as Parkinson's disease and stroke cause changes in the brain. In some cases, these changes may have a direct role in depression. Illness-related anxiety and stress also can trigger symptoms of depression.