Psoriasis Action Network profiles
Don't let fear keep you from taking action — Richard G., Washington
 Richard joined the Psoriasis Action Network in March 2007.
When I received an e-mail saying that the National Psoriasis Foundation needed my help in contacting Senator Patty Murray's office, I immediately thought, oh no, I'm being asked to do something I'm afraid to do. I was being asked to call the senator's health legislative assistant to discuss getting the senator to co-sponsor the Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Research, Cure, and Care Act (S. 1459).
I have no experience in this and thought I wouldn't know what to say. I was afraid that I would make a fool out of myself on the phone and blow an important opportunity to find a cure for psoriasis. I was also afraid I would let the National Psoriasis Foundation down.
Then my desire to find a cure overtook my fear of calling. I decided that I have lived with psoriasis for over 44 years and will do anything for a cure. I made the call and found that Senator Murray's health legislative assistant was very friendly and pleasant to talk to. She let me have all the time I needed to go over the talking points that Alyssa provided and then asked that I send her any additional information I might have. She said this helps because they have so many bills they are working on. The National Psoriasis Foundation provided me with a state fact sheet and other information to share with Senator Murray's office.
A few weeks later, Alyssa Brown sent me another e-mail telling me that she was excited to report that Senator Murray had added her name to the list of co-sponsors of S. 1459.
As I read this e-mail, I actually got so emotional that I got tears in my eyes. I couldn't believe what I was reading. It was like being told that they had found a cure for psoriasis and I had played a small part in helping. I couldn't believe that I actually had something to do with getting Senator Murray to co-sponsor this bill.
I am so glad that I didn't let my fear talk me out of making a phone call and sending an e-mail.
Persistence pays off — John L., Connecticut
 After attending Capitol Hill Day in 2006 and 2007,
John made it his mission to get his elected officials' support for the psoriasis community.
Dealing with members of Congress has been both frustrating and rewarding. I chose not to let my feelings of frustration overcome me and instead followed a path of persistent assertiveness. Having dealt with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis for the past 43 years, at times hope is all that I had, and I was not about to let it slip from my fingers when I was so close to obtaining co-sponsorships for both H.R. 1188 and S. 1459.
When the health legislative assistant for Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., whom I originally talked to on Capitol Hill Day 2007, resigned and took with her the promise of co-sponsorship, I had to start over with the new assistant. I didn't let the setback deter me. I quickly reminded the new assistant of the 'promise' and kept at him with telephone calls, e-mails and persistent determination to get the senator to co-sponsor S. 1459. I knew that because Sen. Dodd is on the HELP Committee that will review the bill, his co-sponsorship was important to a favorable vote.
When I finally received notification that Sen. Dodd would co-sponsor the bill, a feeling of exhilaration came over me; the success more than equaled the effort. To me, being assertive means believing in my goal and following through to the end, to help bring us one step closer to the CURE.
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Capitol Hill Day-easier than you think! — Cristy B., California
 Cristy B., right, at Capitol Hill Day 2007. In addition to being a member of the Psoriasis Action Network, Cristy leads the San Diego Psoriasis Support Group.
I first joined the National Psoriasis Foundation in 2005. Soon after, I heard about Capitol Hill Day and signed up. I have to be honest; at first I was apprehensive. I had this picture in my head of a political advocate holding a picket sign, marching in the street. I soon learned that this is not the case at all.
Luckily for me, you don't have to be an expert to succeed at Capitol Hill Day-all you need is a willingness to tell your story. The event is well organized, complete with training sessions on how the government works. Capitol Hill Day taught me that it is important to take ownership in this country. I pay taxes, so I should take interest in how the money is spent.
So why am I an advocate? I advocate on behalf of the psoriasis community because I have been living with this disease all my life. I have experienced emotional, mental and physical suffering because of this disease. I have spent many hours complaining and blaming. Becoming an advocate turned my complaints into tools; tools that I can now use to express my concerns to the government-which can accomplish something to help us all.
I am an advocate for the psoriasis community because it feels good to be productive. It feels good to be part of a larger cause. People with psoriasis are STRONG. People with psoriasis are HOPEFUL. People with psoriasis are MOTIVATED. Which is why people with psoriasis make GREAT ADVOCATES. I hope to see you all at Capitol Hill Day 2008!
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