Psoriasis Foundation National Conference converges in Boston
Posted Aug. 2, 2005
Kathy and Mark Hunseder of Colorado Springs, Colo., met psoriasis face to face a little more than a year ago. Their daughter Chelsea, then 16, developed a form of psoriasis that suddenly covered nearly 100 percent of her body with bright, red spots. It was a devastating experience—especially for a teenager.
A year later, thanks to effective treatments, Chelsea’s psoriasis is under control. The family has learned a lot about psoriasis. And they’re about to learn more when Chelsea and her mom travel to Boston, Mass., for the National Psoriasis Foundation® 2005 National Conference, Aug. 5-7.
Nearly 400 people will gather at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Towers for this year’s conference, “The Road Ahead: Mapping Your Future.” Held in conjunction with Psoriasis Awareness Month in August, the conference promises to educate, empower and entertain with presentations by nationally known speakers and psoriasis experts, and informative workshops and social events.
This annual event—held in a different location each year—is designed specifically for people affected by psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, and their family and friends. This year, Boston-area residents can attend this valuable conference in their own backyard. In addition to attending empowering workshops and educational sessions, conference-goers often establish lasting personal connections with others in the psoriasis community.
“Psoriasis has been an extremely difficult experience for our family, and Chelsea and I are looking forward to getting to know other people who are faced with this journey,” said Kathy Hunseder.
Experts in dermatology and rheumatology will present the latest information on psoriasis treatment and research. Among them: Boston’s Alexa Boer Kimball, M.D., M.P.H., of Massachusetts General and Brigham and Women’s Hospitals; Dan Fohrman, M.D., a rheumatologist practicing in Bend., Ore.; and Bruce Strober, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of dermatology, New York University School of Medicine.
Grassroots advocacy expert Amy Showalter will lead workshops in the evolution of advocacy and what it can do for a cause; secrets for consistent grassroots impact; and tips on how to communicate so legislators will listen.
Other workshops include: new treatment approaches; being a powerful patient; relationships and intimacy; support groups; pregnancy and psoriasis; psoriatic arthritis; and insurance coverage, among others.
For registration and detailed conference information, visit www.psoriasis.org, or call toll free 800.723.9166. After Aug. 1, registration will only be available onsite at the conference hotel. Cost is $95 for Psoriasis Foundation members; $115 for nonmembers.
About Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a common, noncontagious, genetic skin disease that results when faulty signals in the immune system prompt skin cells to regenerate too quickly, causing red, scaly lesions that crack and bleed. It often affects the elbows, knees, scalp and torso but can appear anywhere on the body. Ten percent to 30 percent of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes pain, stiffness and swelling in and around the joints. Psoriasis can affect anyone at any age, including children. There is no cure yet for this lifelong disease.
About the National Psoriasis Foundation
The National Psoriasis Foundation is the leading patient-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of more than 5 million Americans diagnosed with psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis and their families. We focus on education, advocacy and research toward better treatments and a cure. For more information, please call the Psoriasis Foundation, headquartered in Portland, Ore., at 800-723-9166 or visit www.psoriasis.org
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