By Caroline Kimani | Chief Executive Officer
The anxieties, the awkwardness, the heartache - all are hallmarks of adolescence. Adolescence is difficult enough for most kids, but one teenager has entirely different challenge to face - her psoriasis.
Sharon, now 14, developed psoriasis at the age of 9. At first, she found it hard to go out, to do things she enjoyed and to wear normal clothes. It even affected her passion of playing with other kids in the neighborhood, because she was embarrassed of how her face and scalp was affected. Not knowing much about the disease, she and her mother hoped that the creams and lotions from a local chemist would work.
Attending Africa Psoriasis Organization free medical camp last January, helped turn things around for Sharon. She first learned that she was suffering from an incurable disease called psoriasis and that the disease is not contagious and can be managed with correct use of medications. Through the APSO's, Patient's Assistance Program PAP, Sharon has found a supportive community of people with psoriasis - people who have been through what she has experienced and continues to experience. More importantly, she has now gained knowledge about how to take action with her disease.
Because Sharon is younger than most of the PAP members, she often finds that they take a nurturing role. Sharon in turn has been supportive of other kids in her community offering advice and uplifting words whenever she can. PAP has offered Sharon and her mother, Alice, additional support and information. PAP is where Sharon's mother first heard about the long-term side effects of a treatment Sharon had been taking for her psoriasis. And for Alice, PAP has been an "eye opener," showing her just how much psoriasis plays an important role in the lives of so many.
People may stare. But Sharon remains an outgoing, vibrant teen who knows how to take care of her disease and educate others about it. She is a dedicated PAP member who gives her time, knowledge and encouragement to so many others.
Without you, we could not offer free medical camp and essential tools to Sharon and others with difficult skin diseases. Our PAP services are possible only through your generous donations. With your help, children suffering from difficult skin diseases can access free treatment while their loved ones, can find vital information and a supportive community.
Please make a donation today because, together, we can make a difference in the lives of thousands - Kids, teens and adults. Thank you from Sharon and her family.
"You guys are amazing and you have changed this little girl's life forever".
(Recent statement from Sharon's mother to Africa Psoriasis Organization staff)
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