Action against Autoimmune Diseases

Welcome to my Track Friday 2018 fundraising page!

Short story: I have psoriasis. Long story: see below for what I shared a couple of years ago. 

I find myself learning about more and more people in my life that struggle with one of the many  autoimmune diseases and so once again, I decided to raise awareness and funds for the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA). I hope that this money will go towards some really smart people who can figure out how to prevent or cure these diseases. 

Please donate what you can and then join me for a couple of laps on the track in Cranford! I'm pledging to walk/run 3.1 miles for your generous donation.

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About 7 years ago, I noticed my skin was really dry. Then it started flaking. I went to a dermatologist, who misdiagnosed it and gave me a topical cream that did not work. In the mean time, it got worse. My body was starting to get covered in red, scaly patches. 

I went to another dermatologist, who took one look and knew that I had plaque psoriasis. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease where skin cells grow at an abnormally rapid rate. The doctor prescribed topical medications. They did not work. My skin got worse. Up to this point, I could hide it under long sleeves and long pants but scabs and scales were covering my scalp, my hair was falling out, and the psoriasis was beginning to creep onto my face. 

It was clear that if this continued, my entire body would be covered in psoriasis. I looked like I had a disease (which, of course, I did). Psoriasis is itchy and painful. I was constantly bleeding. I left a trail of flakes of skin every where I went.

I stopped going to the gym. Eventually, I couldn't even run outside because it hurt too much.

I had to brush the flakes of skin off my chair at work every time I got up. When it was summer, I forced myself to go to the pool to take my kids. People stared. 

It hurt to take a shower. 

I couldn't sleep.

The impact on my life was profound and all-encompassing. It still is.

After a lengthy process with my doctor, I was prescribed a biologic. Slowly, my skin started to heal. It doesn't work for everyone and I was so thankful it worked for me. 

I have discoloration all over my body as a reminder of this disease.

I have never spoken about my psoriasis publicly. I'm talking about it now. I'm talking about it because I want to raise awareness and funds for the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA). This organization is doing critical work towards the research, awareness, education, and advocacy of autoimmune diseases.

Once a week, I inject myself in the thigh with this medicine. I'll probably have to do it for the rest of my life. But I am hoping I won't have to. I am hoping that the research and education into psoriasis and other autoimmune diseases continues. 

Psoriasis can be genetic. I NEED that research to continue. If not for me, than for my children, who may also have to deal with an autoimmune disease one day.

I am pledging to run 3.1 miles on Track Friday. Please donate to this fundraiser, help me take action against autoimmune diseases and join me on the track, in person or from wherever you will be on the day after Thanksgiving.