Armsted Christian, a native of Poughkeepsie, New York, and and a 22 year resident of New Bedford, Massachusetts was born in 1951 and diagnosed with sarcoidosis in 1976, while a resident of Boston, Massachusetts. He was hospitalized with double pneumonia and as a result of x-rays and other pulmonary testing, his condition was discovered. Armsted wanted to help others with his condition, achieve a better quality of life, while being challenged with the varied characteristics of sarcoidosis. He understands the value of sharing information, which helps to educate those who suffer from this disease, as well as family members, and other interested persons. Armsted also believes that in order to raise awareness, one must be able to gather accurate information from a number of reliable sources, offering medical alternatives to those living with sarcoidosis that include traditional medical practices and treatment as well as homeopathic considerations.
He has been fortunate to have no side effects from pharmaceutical prescription medications, as a part of his treatment plan for over 25 years, and attributes this success to the incorporation of homeopathic medicines, under careful watch on the part of his physicians, with that of his prescription medications. As a result of his own personal research and professional guidance and consultations with doctors of both communities, he has found a balance, which has allowed him to have a relatively normal quality of life.
Armsted has pulmonary sarcoidosis, which affect his lungs, and has caused severe scaring of lung tissue, restricting his breathing. He is currently a bilateral lung transplant candidate, and is awaiting his opportunity to receive this much-needed surgery. He has received treatment from The Deaconess Hospital, Beth Israel Hospital, Lahey Clinic, New England Baptist Hospital, and is presently being treated at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, where he is on the official recipient list and is awaiting his transplant.
Armsted, along with the concern, participation and generosity of individuals, civic groups, community organizations, corporate sponsorship and philanthropists, is on a quest to raise financial resources to help in the research and ultimate cure of this very silent disease. Through the development of his non-profit organization, the Armsted R. Christian Foundation for Sarcoidosis, (Education, Research, and Treatment), is committed to this initiative to make a difference, and to be a multi-dimensional resource organization for those who are living with the daily challenges of sarcoidosis.
"The Wave Is Coming"
Armsted Christian
Diane Richardson ~ Sings The Music Of Charles Mingus ~ Produced and arranged by Armsted Christian