To me, a big part of living with a chronic disease is sharing your story and getting inspiration from others who share their story as well. I wouldn’t be where I am in my psoriasis journey without my #psofamily (as we so lovingly call ourselves).
It’s so important to have people who support you, give you advice, and inspire you in your life. Here are a few of my psoriasis heroes and the reasons why they have played such special roles in my psoriasis journey.
My mother
I can’t talk about my psoriasis journey and not mention my mother.
As we all know, there is a genetic component that comes with living with psoriasis. That was all we knew when the plaques started to first appeared on my elbows.
It was my mother, who also had psoriasis, who knew exactly what to do. She took me to a specialized dermatologist and we began treatment right away. If it wasn’t for her and the early intervention of seeing the right kind of doctor, I don’t know where I’d be.
Julie Cerrone Croner
Julie Cerrone Croner of It’s Just a Bad Day, not a Bad Life is one of my psoriasis heroes. Julie has been living with psoriatic arthritis since 1998, in addition to other health issues.
But Julie doesn’t let herself surrender over to anything with a “chronic” diagnosis. She is an authentic person who truly inspires others to live a passionate and healthy life while managing their chronic disease.
She is also a new mom, so sharing our stories as mothers living with a chronic disease is important to both of us.
Alisha Bridges
Another person who I consider one of my heroes is Alisha Bridges of Being Me in My Own Skin. I’m truly inspired by the psoriasis advocacy work Alisha does.
I love seeing a woman of color advocating for psoriasis awareness. Psoriasis looks different on everyone, and she shares a candid look at how living with psoriasis affects her. I’m also a little jealous of the way she is able to weave humor into her story.
Todd Bello
Todd Bello of Overcoming Psoriasis is another one of my psoriasis heroes. Todd is the man you need to know. He founded the Facebook group Overcoming Psoriasis, and is truly a resource for those living with psoriasis.
He has a passion for helping others find ways to manage their psoriasis. For Todd, it’s about overcoming psoriasis and giving others the confidence to do just that.
Jaime Lyn Moy
Lastly, I want to mention Jaime Lyn Moy of A Spot of Hope. Jaime is living the psoriasis life when it’s all in the family.
Her son Andy was diagnosed with psoriasis at age four and juvenile psoriatic arthritis at age five. Then, a few years later, Jaime was diagnosed with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
I am continually impressed with the efforts Jaime and her family put into bringing awareness to psoriatic disease. If chronic disease runs in your family, head on over to this lady’s blog. You’ll be glad you did.
The takeaway
All of these individuals inspire me with their different stories and the ways they bring awareness to psoriasis. Psoriasis looks different on everyone and to everyone. It is for that reason I am so honored and blessed to call this group of psoriasis advocates and bloggers part of my psoriasis family and my psoriasis heroes.
Sabrina Skiles is a lifestyle and psoriasis blogger. She created her blog, Homegrown Houston, as a lifestyle resource for millennial women and those living with psoriasis. She shares daily inspiration on topics like health and wellness, motherhood and marriage, and managing a chronic disease while living a stylish life. Sabrina is also a volunteer mentor, coach, and social ambassador for the National Psoriasis Foundation. You can find her sharing psoriasis tips while living a stylish life on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.