WHEREAS, Sarcoidosis is a chronic systemic disease for which there is no known cure
or treatment, which causes abnormal function in a number of organs throughout the human
body and afflicts approximately 1,500 Pennsylvanians each year, and which is often not
detected as its symptoms mimic many other afflictions; and
WHEREAS, Kenneth Glen Dixon, Sr. suddenly passed away as a result of undiagnosed
Cardiac Sarcoidosis on January 31, 2006; and
WHEREAS, his widow, Rena Dixon, has founded the Heart of Gold Foundation for
Sarcoidosis in order to educate the victims of Sarcoidosis and their families, as well as to
provide a support forum; and
WHEREAS, the Heart of Gold Foundation ultimately intends to open the Kenneth G.
Dixon Center for Excellence in Sarcoidosis to provide clinical care for Sarcoidosis patients, to
serve as an educational resource for medical professionals, and to perform vital Sarcoidosis
research; and
WHEREAS, in order to raise both necessary funding and regional awareness, the
Heart of Gold Foundation is hosting the inaugural Kenneth Glen Dixon, Sr. Walk/Run for
Sarcoidosis on Sunday, June 10, 2007 in Highland Park;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Allegheny County Council does hereby
recognize and commend the Heart of Gold Foundation for Sarcoidosis for its efforts at
informing the public about the existence and effects of Sarcoidosis, as well as for its noble
desire to aid the medical profession in identifying the means of treating and, ultimately, curing
this disease. Dedication to the cause of protecting the public's health and well-being is always
to be praised, and it is a fitting tribute to the memory of Kenneth Dixon, Sr. that we honor his
spirit in the determined pursuit of a cure for this disease.
