As many of you know, I am officially the Youth Ambassador for the Walk for Psoriasis Salt Lake City! I am so excited for this opportunity to have my voice heard about psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. I am so thankful to the National Psoriasis Foundation for giving me this opportunity. As Ambassador, I will (hopefully) get to be a big part of the Walk this year (which is being held on June 23 at 8:00 PM at Sugar House Park), I'll get to go around to different schools teaching children about psoriasis,  be really involved in the walk, fundraise to find a cure, talk to local Congressmen and Senators about raising awareness and funds, and so much more.
      

       When I was twelve, at the begging of seventh grade and my first year in Jr. High, I began noticing painful and itchy scab- like things on my scalp. I showed my mom and she told me that it might be psoriasis (which she also has). We set up an appointment with Dr. Kruger, my wonderful dermatologist. He said just what I didn't want to hear. I had psoriasis and there is no known cure.
      At first, it really affected my self-esteem. I didn't want anything to be wrong with me. Especially my skin. And particularly at the beginning of Jr. High when I just wanted to fit in. I thought that because I had this disease, I wasn't beautiful. I know now that I was wrong about that. Psoriasis doesn't mean I am any less beautiful. It makes me unique and it gives me more opportunities to reach out and help others.
       What many people don't realize is that psoriasis is so much more than just flaky, painful skin. It has it's own kind of arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, it affects the immune system, and it is linked with some psychological disorders. It is linked with depression and anxiety. There is also a possibility of getting certain cancers if you have psoriasis. I'm not saying this so you feel bad for me or anyone else with psoriasis. The opposite actually. I want you to help us to find a cure.