Sponsors
In the summer of 2010, Psoriasis Cure Now decided we would stop accepting all donations, contributions and payments from drug companies and other businesses selling products to psoriasis patients. This decision took effect on January 1, 2011.
Wait, you say: nonprofit patient organizations take money from drug companies? You bet – happens all the time. Whether called sponsorships, donations, print or web advertising, or partnerships, these funds can add up quickly – for the big charities, it can total millions of dollars annually!
We no longer felt comfortable with this very legal, very common, but perhaps independence-compromising arrangement. So now, our sole source of funding is psoriasis patients and their loved ones who support our mission and want a cure for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
How is it going, working free from conflicts of interest? So far it has been challenging! First, we canceled our very popular Psoriasis Patient Calendar – way too expensive to produce without pharmaceutical donations. Then we ended our Psoriasis Video Contests. Also too expensive. (But it was probably time to give the contests a rest anyway.) There is no easy way to replace the money that companies marketing to psoriasis patients are willing to provide to patient nonprofits.
But will our new policy make a difference that helps psoriasis patients? We think so, but only time will tell.
“I am not just the president of Psoriasis Cure Now, I am first and foremost a psoriasis patient myself,” said Michael Paranzino. “I also have a brother, some nieces and other family and friends who have psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. We need a voice that is solely and exclusively, 100% focused on representing patients. Drug companies, alternative treatment companies, UV light companies, insurers, and doctors all have very competent people representing their interests. Psoriasis Cure Now has always believed we represented the voice of the patient, but now we can back up that commitment with our new contribution policy. Yes, it means our budget has shrunk. And it means our future now lies fully with psoriasis patients themselves.
“If you want a patient-focused voice in your corner representing you in the battle for better treatments and a cure, then we need you to help us survive and grow. And if you don’t think we add value or serve the psoriasis community effectively, we will wither and disappear. It’s that simple.”
So we hope you will support our work with a donation and with your time.
There are too many psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis patients still suffering. We need additional treatment options and a cure. Please join us in these battles!
