Take ACTION for Psoriatic Disease 2025

Take ACTION for Psoriatic Disease

Thank you for reaching my TAKE ACTION fundraising page! My name is Emme Rooney, I am 21 years old living with psoriatic disease. I have been an advocate and a volunteer for the National Psoriasis Foundation for over 4 years, and I am excited to launch another fundraising campaign to raise awareness for an organization that has made such a profound impact in my life. 

I was diagnosed with psoriasis at the age of 12, after 5 years of being misdiagnosed by several doctors. Unfortunately, this is a shared experience for many patients living with psoriatic disease; however, the struggle for my diagnosis and finding a treatment that worked for me taught me the value of resilience at a young age. By the time I turned 18, I had tried over 5 biologic medications, switching often due to harmful side effects and lack of progress in my condition. Over the years, I consistently suffered from injection site pain, hair loss, weight gain, and mental health struggles as a result of my tumultuous journey towards finding a medication that worked. When I was at my lowest, around the spring of 2021, I began volunteering for the National Psoriasis Foundation through their Youth Ambassador program. I found my voice, a community, and my passion in sharing my story and empowering others who live with psoriatic disease. Since then, I have emceed events for NPF, spoken on the PsoundBytes podcast, and mentored other youth who understand my struggle. The greatest lesson I have learned and the one I am always so proud to share is "being different is beautiful." I am different because of my diagnosis, but there is so much beauty to be found in my journey. 

On August 30, 2025, I will be running my first half marathon in Indianapolis, Indiana! Running has become a hobby of mine that helps with my mental clarity and provides me with a physical outlet. I am full of gratitude for my ability to run, exercise, and move despite my condition, so I felt it was time to give back to NPF as I strive toward a new goal: finishing 13.1 miles! Because of this milestone, I have set my fundraising goal to $1,310 to represent the 13.1 miles I intend to complete. I will be posting "match my mileage" fundraising pushes on my social media multiple times a week to help achieve this goal, along with resources to further raise awareness for the many elements of living with psoriatic disease. If this page has reached you, thank you for reading about my story and engaging with the National Psoriasis Foundation. Your contribution to this community is felt through advocacy programs, mentorship pairings, critical research, and so much more. 

For more information on my campaign, please see my social media accounts below: 

Instagram: @emme.rooney 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/emme-rooney-401181242 

Reach out by email: eroon0330@gmail.com

If you feel called to do so, please share this page by copying the URL! Thank you for your contribution. 

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Learn more about my journey with National Psoriasis Foundation!

Feature in NPF Advance Online

Youth Ambassador Scholarship Recipient

Psound Bytes- Balancing Transitions and Life with Psoriasis

Psound Bytes- "I'm Unique Because of my Psoriasis"

Media For Patients- Working with Your Health Care Partner

Media For Patients- Insider Tips and Tricks for Successful Appointments

Media For Patients- Getting Off to a Strong Start