I am a 27-year-old single mother who has been living with psoriasis for over 20 years. I was diagnosed with guttate psoriasis when I was about 6 years old, and it has been a battle ever since. I've used every type of cream, ointment and foam known to man. I've had my tonsils removed to try to lessen the risk of a flare up brought on by strep throat. My skin has seen more UV rays than most people twice my age. I've had periods of beautiful, clear skin, and I've had times when 90% of my body was covered in psoriasis. I have days when I wake up feeling like a million bucks and days when I just stand at the mirror and cry. At times, I have let this disease hold me back from doing things that I love to do. It has definitely taken a toll on my self-esteem, my overall emotional well-being and my social life. Living with guttate psoriasis is like a never-ending roller coaster ride: ups and downs, highs and lows. I've been fortunate enough to have people in my life who see beyond my skin. My 8-year-old son has never ever hesitated to hug me or hold my hand, no matter how bad my skin is. When I'm around him I forget for a brief moment that I have this condition. I'm free to be myself all the while knowing that he loves me unconditionally. If only I could feel that same comfort out in the real world…

I am currently not on any medication to treat my psoriasis. (I don’t have health insurance.) At the time of these photos, I had just endured the worst flare-up of my life. All I can do is hope and pray that a cure is on the horizon. We all have to work together to raise awareness about psoriasis (and psoriatic arthritis—I worry about that, too) and the importance of funding for psoriasis research.

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Write to Congress about psoriasis research. And check out our 2008 Psoriasis Cure Now Video Contest.