My Life's Journey

Since it's World Psoriasis Day this Saturday, let me share some facts about me.

For those who doesn't know, I have psoriasis, a skin disorder that causes red, scaly patches (called lesions) that appears on your skin. It started 2001 and I am having an extraordinary life since then.

It started on my scalp. I thought it was just dandruff, but alas, it is something else. The scaling was severe and it started to appear below my hairline in the forehead. I won't say I'm not worried.  I am conscious about it. When I visited a dermatologist, I learned that I have psoriasis. And on top of that, it has no cure.

I questioned God why of all people, he chose me to have it. Why me? This is the first time I've ever heard about psoriasis and as far as I'm concerned, I am the only one I know who has it. I felt alone and wondered how many people in the world who have psoriasis. One in a hundred? One in a thousand? or even one in a million? Of all the health problems known to man, why do I have to be the one stuck with this rare disease?

When I got home, I started researching psoriasis on the internet. I was hoping that the doctor was wrong. I was hoping that there is a cure for psoriasis. I was expecting that there is a way for me to get rid of it. Just like a cold that will go away after drinking some syrup or something. At that time, I was concentrating on medicines and treatments that will cure me. But as i opened each link, my fears were confirmed. Psoriasis is indeed has no known cure up to this day.

Luckily I have a very supportive family and friends who stood by my side. Nothing change even if they see a reddish scaly lesions in my face. They understood my condition and treated me well. 

"As a mother comforts her child,
so will I comfort you;
and you will be comforted..."

                                                                                                 Isaiah 66:13

My life went on a normal pace. I continued my studies and graduated from college. God is good and he continuously provided for me. As I was looking for work, one of my college blockmates started his own business and he offered me a marketing position. God really moves in mysterious ways for not only did he gave me a job, God used him also to help me understand more about my disease. 

In 2006, I learned from him that an online group of psoriasis patients are based in the Philippines. I was ecstatic about this great news! Finally I can talk to someone who has psoriasis. I searched it on yahoo and I've found out about Psoriasis Philippines (PsorPhil).

I've been a member and an active advocate for psoriasis. Now I found hope for my disease. It may have no cure for now but someday, I believe there will be.

"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, 

because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 

perseverance, character; and character, hope."

                                                                                                     Romans 5:3-4