A couple of questions I probably should answer before I try to explain why I am asking for your help to raise funds for the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF).

First question…what is psoriatic disease?

From the NPF, psoriatic disease is a non-contagious disease related to an overactive immune system (it is not an autoimmune disease). It affects 8 million people in the United States and up to 125 million people worldwide. One in three people with psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis. However, earrly and appropriate treatment can reduce psoriatic disease symptoms and systemic inflammation, and it can reduce risk for comorbidities (related health-issues). Some triggers for psoriatic disease can include weather and stress.

How is psoriatic disease treated?

There are different types of treatments including topical ointments/steroid creams, biologic injections, and based on a lot of commercials I am seeing on streaming apps, pills. Everyone has a different treatment that could work for them. Another option that I am about to try...phototherapy. 

What does the NPF do?

NPF provides free support and resources to all those impacted by psoriatic disease, including caregivers, family, and friends. NPF is the expert source for information on psoriatic disease, offering a robust website, print magazine, podcasts, webinars, and more. (please check their website for more information).

When I went to my dermatologist appointment recently, the doctor used the NPF’s website for information on medications that work for certain types of psoriasis and was able to compare to what was available at the hospital. Found this to be helpful in real-time

So now some personal questions…

Why am I running the Chicago Marathon?

This is probably the easiest question here. I am running the Chicago Marathon because it is a marathon in one of the best cities in America and is one of the six world major marathons. I am excited to get this opportunity. After running the Twin Cities Marathon the past two years, I wanted to experience a different marathon with Chicago and New York being my top two options. When I did not get into Chicago via lottery, I saw many charities with entries available, but one truly caught my eye.

Why did I choose to represent the NPF?

This is somewhat simple as well. I have had psoriasis since 1996. When I first was diagnosed it was mainly on my face and some parts of my body, including my scalp. After using the prescribed medications, it went away, but it came back in 2003/2004 and never left. While it sometimes it went dormant, I have had it on my arms, legs, and most of my body since. I have used medications and it has helped and some over the counter brands, an increase of stress has caused it to come back here and there. Recently (since 2021), it has spread and has been a little tough to maintain at times. In the past year due to the cold it has even cracked and bled including during the NYC half.

The NPF would have been a nice resource for me when I was first diagnosed so I would have known that it comes and goes and had better access to other information about psoriasis (such as the chance for psoriatic arthritis and other potential comorbidities). By teaming up with them, I am hoping to give people who are diagnosed with psoriasis better access than I had when I was first diagnosed.

Some other information about the NPF

The National Psoriasis Foundation is the world's largest nonprofit organization serving people with psoriatic disease. Double, or event triple your gift to the National Psoriasis Foundation by participating in your employer's matching gift program. Check here to see if your company participates: https://www.psoriasis.org/matching-gifts-and-workplace-campaigns/.Please print or save this message for your personal records. The National Psoriasis Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization; Tax ID: 93-0571472. This letter serves as your receipt if you wish to claim your donation as a charitable deduction. Thank you again for your support of the National Psoriasis Foundation.