Ready to meet some of the young people helping to shape a better future for those with psoriatic disease? Then let's get to it. The following is a look at some of the current NPF Youth Ambassadors.

Neel
What does having psoriatic disease mean to you?
Having psoriatic disease means life is never easy or normal. It means not being able to do things others take for granted. It means sometimes being self-conscious about your appearance. But it also means learning to be patient, open-minded, and positive. Like everything else, it’s a mixed bag, a paradox, a checkered chessboard where you win sometimes and lose other times.
What’s your favorite part of being a Youth Ambassador?
My favorite part is when I get to speak at a conference or event, or kick off the San Diego Team NPF Walk every year. It is a time where I feel like a celebrity, and my voice matters. I also love being able to travel to Sacramento [California] and meet lawmakers and share my story.
How did you get involved with NPF?
My older brother also has psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and was a Youth Ambassador. The NPF community in San Diego is a small, tightly knit group that is kind, supportive, and like family for us.
What advice do you have for other youth living with psoriatic disease?
Life will not be easy. There will be times when you will wonder, why me? Just don’t dwell on the negative, and look for what you can do. Remember that you are not alone. You are stronger than you think you are. Ask for help, and don’t stress or get dejected. Most importantly, enjoy the good days and seize every opportunity to experience and explore new things.

Emme
What does having psoriatic disease mean to you?
Psoriatic disease has an immense impact on my everyday life, but it has taught me to be a strong, confident young woman who embraces her imperfections.
What’s your favorite part of being a Youth Ambassador?
My favorite part is being able to share my story in hopes of inspiring others who struggle with psoriatic disease.
How did you get involved with NPF?
I got involved through the Youth Ambassador program in April of 2021.
What advice do you have for other youth living with psoriatic disease?
Being unique is a strength, and confidence is key in achieving your dreams.

Zoe
What does having psoriatic disease mean to you?
Having psoriatic disease is a tough challenge, but I remind myself that this is a journey that I need to take slowly and use my voice to share my story.
What’s your favorite part of being a Youth Ambassador?
My favorite part of being a Youth Ambassador is being given the opportunity to educate and spread awareness on something that is often misunderstood and stigmatized and to help get closer to finding a cure.
How did you get involved with NPF?
When I was first diagnosed with psoriasis at the age of 11, I wanted to get involved with the National Psoriasis Foundation to meet people that share similar experiences while also participating in events to raise awareness in hopes to find a cure.
What advice do you have for other youth living with psoriatic disease?
An important piece of advice for people living with psoriatic disease is [that] despite the challenges you may face, you are a fighter and to surround yourself with a good support system.

Ava
What does having psoriatic disease mean to you?
You have something unique, and [it] can connect you to another community of people who have similar experiences. It also gives us a special opportunity to be able to spread awareness about psoriatic disease.
What’s your favorite part of being a Youth Ambassador?
My favorite part of being a Youth Ambassador is the connections and opportunities that I might not have otherwise. It is also really nice to be able to talk to other people my age who have had similar experiences to me.
How did you get involved with NPF?
I got involved with the National Psoriasis Foundation when I was doing research for my senior project [in high school], and I decided to do more research into the diseases that I personally have. I wanted to get involved and be a part of their mission, so I signed up to be a volunteer. After going through the interview, I was told about the Youth Ambassador program, which would give me an opportunity to talk to others who have been through similar things.
What advice do you have for other youth living with psoriatic disease?
Do not be self-conscious about it. It is a part of you, and you should embrace it.