<p>Hello Friends!</p> <p>Thanks for taking the time to visit my fundraising page. As many of you know, I'm running the Rome Marathon in March (definitely going to reward those 26.2 with a huge Italian feast).</p> <p>As less of you know, I have a certain friend (I call him Fred) who has been quite bothersome over the past couple of years.&nbsp;</p> <p>Fred is what I call my spots. Spots are what I call the psoriasis that off-and-on affects me and my life. At times, psoriasis has covered over 90 percent of my body--something that has been difficult to manage both physically and emotionally. Harder still, is the reality that doctors know little-to-nothing about what causes psoriasis or how to treat and cure it. Despite the huge number of people affected by psoriasis around the world, research on psoriasis recieves very little governmental funding.&nbsp;</p> <p>This is why I'm raising money for The Psoriasis Foundation. I want to get rid of Fred forever (sorry Pal) and I'm asking for your help to do it.</p> <p>Donations are tax deductible.&nbsp;</p> <p>My goal is quite lofty, but any amount donated is greatly appreciated.</p> <p>Thank you all for your support.&nbsp;</p> <p>-Mary</p>