Volunteer Spotlight
NPF Volunteer Spotlight: Mark Parikka
Mark Parikka first noticed small bumps on the skin around his ankle in 2006. Over the course of the year, there were additional patches on other areas. He sought out a diagnosis and the dermatologist confirmed through biopsy it was psoriasis. At this point, Mark said it was easily managed with topicals. In 2007, while vacationing in Hawaii, Mark likely developed an infection from some open skin. The infection became very serious, he had a huge flare and developed erythrodermic psoriasis. Mark was hospitalized for a week and immediately prescribed biologics by his doctor. Mark plateaued on two drugs before the medication “kicked in”. He is happy to report he has had excellent results, and in the past ten years has only had occasional and minor skin patches.
Mark researched and found NPF in 2007. He has been an active member of Southern California chapter, attending support groups, Team NPF Cycle and every San Diego walk. He has been very involved with the Western Advocacy Committee and attended Capitol Hill Day in 2010. Mark has attended conferences in San Francisco and DC. He has been asked to speak at NPF conferences.
As part of the Founder’s Day Celebration in February 2021, Mark reflected on what the NPF community means to him. He wrote, “Beyond the obvious of making a difference in our disease, of raising funds for better treatments and the goal of finding a cure, I have made lifelong friends, enriched my community, and made others aware of a disease they either didn't know about, or had misconceptions about. While the NPF isn't perfect and I've had personal disagreements about some aspects of the mission, I can honestly say that on balance I am a much better advocate because of my NPF involvement.”
Mark resides in San Diego with David, his husband of nearly 34 years. Besides volunteering for NPF and other worthy causes, he also enjoys tennis, cooking, sporting events, dinner/game nights with friends, theater, and concerts.
Outstanding NPF Volunteers
Get to know others recognized with the NPF monthly volunteer spotlight.
Read the SELF magazine story on NPF volunteer Melissa Leeolou, who pivoted from ballet to medical school. Read More
Why Do You Volunteer?
The folks at the NPF from the Board, to the CEO, to the staff, and to the volunteers, are the most dedicated and caring group of folks that I have ever run across and I want to be a part of that.- John Early
What does NPF mean to me? People, many of whom are now friends, that I can relate to and talk to about our common disease. - Hillel Katzeff
NPF is connection. Connection to fellow sufferers, connection to important information and a connection to my need as a nurse to be able to help others. NPF has given me needed friendships and fellowship I would not have otherwise had. - Patti MacBean-Puchino
Volunteer with NPF
Volunteers are our driving force. You can help change the lives of those living with psoriatic disease for generations to come.