“Warriors: The Bernie Mac Disease”
Directed by Nicholas Markart, produced by Steve Hilfiker.
Join Rhonda McCullough for an intimate exploration of Bernie Mac’s life and the profound impact sarcoidosis had on his journey to fame. This heartfelt documentary also highlights the experiences of patients from the USA, Germany, and Ghana who share their personal battles with the disease. Through these stories, gain a deeper understanding of the resilience required to confront sarcoidosis.
This free, non-commercial, and nonprofit educational work, which includes fair use of copyrighted and public domain images, features original commentary and critical analysis, with all quotations properly attributed, and adheres to the Copyright Act 1976's fair use provisions.
We are a fund of Collaboratory, a Florida 501(c)(3) organization
At FODASA, we are dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals battling chronic diseases such as sarcoidosis and cardiomyopathy. As a non-profit fund of Collaboratory, we specialize in creating powerful awareness campaigns that not only educate the public but also advocate for patients awaiting life-saving organ donations.
Since our inception, we have amassed over 2,000,000 views across various platforms, demonstrating the impactful reach of our initiatives. Through compelling storytelling and impactful visuals, we strive to shed light on the realities faced by those affected by chronic diseases and the critical importance of organ donation.
As we forge ahead, we remain committed to amplifying the voices of Warriors battling chronic diseases and advocating for those in need of organ transplants. Together, we can raise awareness, cultivate empathy, and ultimately save lives. Join us in our mission to make a lasting impact on individuals, families, and communities across the globe.
Collaboratory is a Florida not-for-profit corporation located in Fort Myers, Florida, qualified as a public charity and exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) and classified as a public charity under IRC Sections 509(a)(1) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi). Collaboratory is a fiscal sponsor of FODASA, helping us with administrative support and guidance as a start-up organization to grow and advance our mission to promote awareness for organ donation, sarcoidosis and cardiomyopathy. Any funds raised by FODASA are raised on behalf of Collaboratory, deposited into their management accounts and specifically allocated for use by FODASA to advance our mission.
2024 FOUNDATION REPORT
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ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Future Film Festival Screenings:
Films Directed by Nicholas Markart
“STONEHEART: An Undying Gift” - Steve Hilfiker, a heart transplant survivor and single father of four, describes his experience facing death, and how his perspective on life has forever changed following the heart transplant.
“Remembering Brantley” - After the tragic loss of fourteen-year-old Brantley Griffin, his surviving family discovers hope through a life-saving new purpose.
“Daniel, My Brother” - After a life-saving heart transplant, single father Steve Hilfiker embarks on an emotional journey to meet with the family of his donor, Daniel.
We have interviewed 50+ patients, non-profits & clinicians to capture the stories of those touched by sarcoidosis and organ transplantation.
On social media, their powerful stories have been viewed over 2 million times.
PATIENT TESTIMONIALS
“From the moment Steve and Nick from the FODASA Team heard my story and asked my wife, Andrea, and me if we would like to participate in the "Warriors" documentary, it was clear to me that this is worth every effort I can give. I'm a cardiac arrest survivor and was only minutes away from dying. Thanks to my wife, who knew what to do in the right moment, and the doctors who fought for my life and later revealed and treated my sarcoidosis, which nearly killed me, I am now able to use my second chance in life. Participating in FODADA's projects showed me that there are way more people out there who are not as lucky as I have been but all deserve a chance, be it through early detection of sarcoidosis or organ donation. I'm now dealing with my situation as a heart patient, but the team at FODASA are the real "Warriors," giving passion, time, and money to a good cause. They deserve our support to raise awareness for organ donation and sarcoidosis on all levels of society, politics, and medicine.”
- Stefan Brixner, Germany
I had never heard of cardiac sarcoidosis until December of 2023, when an ER physician assessed me after a pacemaker alert. He asked me if I had been screened for cardiac sarcoidosis- I had not. During my research, I found FODASA on TikTok. I contacted Steve Hilfiker who shared his story, and provided the name of a top physician in sarcoidosis research. This physician and his team provided the screening I should have had in 2021, expert care, and differential diagnosis. One video on TikTok and one phone call with Mr. Hilfiker allowed me to connect with experts in the field. Thank you for raising awareness for early detection of CS.
-Maya, Illinois
“I don't know how to explain how much you have helped me. I have never been in such a bad place and you answered my prayers!”
- Deb Rowehl, USA
Night of Hope Events
At FODASA, we pride ourselves in giving back to the community. That’s why we hold ‘Night of Hope’ events to thank front-line workers, spread positivity, and raise awareness.
STONEHEART: AN UNDYING GIFT (2021)
Steve Hilfiker, a heart transplant survivor and single father of four, describes his experience facing death, and how his perspective on life has forever changed following the heart transplant.
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