I am here to share the story of my brother Mark. He is a husband, a son, a brother, an uncle, and a friend, who is hard working, intelligent, and proud. 
To share Mark's story is not easy because it has been extremely difficult to watch  a young, healthy, happy and successful man become debilitated by an incurable disease that has affected his life on every level.

Mark began developing Psoriasis in 2014, which eventually developed into Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA). I want you to understand how rare PsA is as it affects ONLY 10-30% of people with Psoriasis. Unfortunately, Mark is one of those rare and severe cases. 

Over the last 7 years, Mark and Lindsay have met with many doctors and specialists to try and control Mark's painful symptoms. They have tried to find a medication that can minimize the symptoms and give him a better quality of life.   Like most self employed people, Mark doesn't have a good drug plan like many who work for large companies or unions. Therefore, costs incurred for treatment and medications have to be paid out of pocket.  Mark and Lindsay had to sell their home in order to continue the search for a suitable treatment.

Mark's disease attacks every part of his body; chronic pain being the catalyst.  Mark deals with excruciating pain in his feet, hands, shoulders, knees and back which limits his mobility i.e. lifting his little dog Nova or playing with his nephew Logan. PsA had caused Mark to limit his hours for his business to run efficiently and successfully. Its now reached the point where they had to close their business, as Mark is physically unable to work.

At the age of 37, there are no words to describe the hardship and difficulties that Mark has faced with this incurable disease.

Our wish for Mark is to walk without pain, wake up feeling rested, and experience joyfulness in his daily life. We ask for your support to aid Mark's search with your donations in finding a suitable treatment to give him the quality of life he deserves.

Thank you in advance!





What is Psoriatic Arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a type of inflammatory arthritis that usually appears in people with a skin disease called psoriasis. Between 10 and 30% of people with psoriasis will get PsA. PsA affects both men and women in equal numbers and usually appears between the ages of 20 and 50 years. 

There is no cure for PsA, but when you are diagnosed early and start the right treatment, you can take control of your disease and avoid severe damage to your joints. Most people with PsA can lead active and productive lives with the help of the right medication, surgery (in some cases), exercise, rest and joint protection techniques.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system becomes confused and begins to “attack” the skin. This results in red (inflamed) patches of skin, which are covered with a silvery-white scale. Psoriasis can involve only a few small patches to much larger areas of skin. Psoriasis can also develop in finger and toe nails. In most people, psoriasis tends to be mild and some people do not even realize they have it at all. 

PsA is a type of inflammatory arthritis and is also an autoimmune disease. In PsA, the joints are the target of the immune attack. This causes swelling, pain and warmth (inflammation) in the joints; you may also develop back and neck pain. In most people, PsA starts after the onset of psoriasis. Yet having psoriasis does not mean you will have PsA. In fact, most people with psoriasis will never develop PsA. However, those with nail psoriasis are at higher risk of developing PsA.

PsA usually begins slowly, spreading to other joints over a few weeks to a few months. Less commonly, PsA can develop quickly and be severe. PsA is an unusual type of arthritis because it can look very different from person to person.

PsA can also cause inflammation were tendons and ligaments attach to bone. Some of the common spots for this are the back of the heels, underneath the heel, on the sides of the elbows, and on the outside of the hips. In other people, PsA can cause the fingers or toes to swell up like sausages.

There are many possible triggers that could start PsA.  It could be a viral infection, injury or something else in the environment, and there may be more than one trigger acting at one time. We do not yet know the causes or the cure for PsA.