Psoriasis – affecting not only the afflicted

More than 125 million people worldwide suffer from psoriasis and the hardships this complex disease brings. But as the newest documentaries of the Under the Spotlight-series reveal, they are not the only ones who bear the burden of the disease.Today IFPA proudly announces the winner of the 2nd Under the Spotlight Award, who in a profound way has highlighted one of the many difficult aspects of living with psoriasis.

Stockholm, Sweden, December 14, 2011

In order to raise awareness about psoriasis, and the burden it places on its sufferers, the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations, IFPA, launched ‘Under the Spotlight’ in 2009, a project designed to portray the true nature of psoriasis via a series of documentaries featuring people with psoriasis from all over the world. In 2011 the films take a closer look at the people surrounding the person with psoriasis, “the greater patient”, and how the disease has affected their lives. [1]

The new films were launched on October 29, World Psoriasis Day, on the international Under the Spotlight website, www.underthespotlight.com, and visitors have since then been asked to vote for the documentary they find most compelling. We present the winner today in celebration of these courageous individuals that have chosen to publically speak of the disease that has had such a great impact on them and the persons closest to them. Their stories are vital to IFPA’s work with combating the discrimination, intolerance and prejudice that can be the result of the many myths and misconceptions that are associated with psoriasis, and our warmest thanks go out to all those who have chosen to be a part of the project.

We are very pleased to announce the winning documentary to be that of Celia Marín Rancel of Murcia, Spain. Her film can be viewed using this link: http://underthespotlight.com/films/spotlighter-films/view-film.aspx?id=62

Celia had the following to say upon learning of the award:
“I would like to thank all the people who voted for my story. The reason that I have participated in this project is to spread hope and encourage psoriasis patients to achieve their dreams. My dream was to have a family. I didn’t allow the psoriasis to stop me, so I have had two wonderful children and the most important - I have no regrets. The psoriasis shouldn’t stop you from doing something, it shouldn’t be an excuse.”

Juana Maria del Molino, the President of the Spanish Psoriasis Association, Acción Psoriasis, comments:
“The Under the Spotlight project is the best way to reach our objective: to spread real and simple information about what psoriasis is and its real impact on both the physical condition and the quality of patients’ life. In this way Acción Psoriasis struggle for psoriasis patient’s rights, such as being informed, and fight against the discrimination that some psoriasis patients suffer, for example when they try to get a job or they use a public swimming pool”.


[1] The “greater patient concept” describes the immediate close social group affected by a person having skin disease. Basra MK, Finlay AY; Br J Dermatol, 2007 May; 156(5):929-37


Contact information
For more information on IFPA and Under the Spotlight, please contact us at ifpa@pso.org, or telephone + 46 8 556 109 14, or 522 083 15.

For more information on the Spanish Psoriasis Association, Acción Psoriasis, please contact Susana Cebollero, Director of Communications, at susana.cebollero@acciopsoriasi.org, telephone + 34 93 280 46 22 or +34 669 958 213 (mobile).



International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA)
The International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA) is the non-profit umbrella organization for the majority of psoriasis associations from around the world. Today IFPA has 44 member associations. IFPA unites psoriasis associations so that their global campaign for improved medical care, greater public understanding and increased research will improve the lives of the more than 125 million people who live with psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis and explore the challenges psoriasis presents to the international psoriasis community.


Under the Spotlight is presented by IFPA and proudly supported by an educational grant  from Abbott, the global healthcare company.

      



IFPA SECRETARIAT
Box 5173, SE-121 18 Johanneshov
SWEDEN
Phone: +46 8 556 109 14 Fax: +46 8 556 109 19
e-mail: ifpa@pso.se
www.ifpa-pso.org

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