At 25, Alana had to face both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis at the same time when she had her first psoriatic arthritis flare-up. Suddenly unable to walk, she found herself bewildered until her father, who had experienced the same thing when he was around the same age, recognized the symptoms. This painful episode was eye-opening, pushing her toward better health decisions.

Despite the hurdles, Alana’s resilience shines. She experimented with holistic diets, tried biologic medications (which treat psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis by targeting specific cells or proteins of the immune system), and experienced intense side effects like migraines and stomach issues. But it wasn’t until she embraced her condition openly that her world shifted. A chance modeling campaign showcased her authentic self — psoriasis and all — on billboards and buses, sparking a newfound confidence.

Mental health became a central focus. Therapy helped, but Alana acknowledges the ongoing struggle with depression, anger, and self-doubt. She emphasizes the importance of listening to your body, advocating for yourself, and finding outlets for emotional release, whether through laughter, crying, or creative expression.

Today, Alana manages her psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis with medication, mindfulness, and self-compassion. She encourages others to self-advocate, trust their instincts, embrace imperfections, and, most importantly, find joy amid the challenges.

Watch Alana’s video to learn about:

• How embracing vulnerability transformed her path to resilience.
• The surprising way her first psoriatic arthritis flare-up mirrored her dad’s experience.
• From middle school bullying to billboards: Alana’s journey to self-love.
• The mental health lessons she learned through years of living with an autoimmune condition.
• Why laughter and tears are both key to Alana’s healing.

Looking back, the signs were all there, especially the scalp psoriasis Chaylee had dealt with since she was a pre-teen. But no one ever told her that psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis often go hand in hand. That lack of awareness was frustrating, especially since early intervention makes such a big difference.

While navigating chronic illness as a young adult isn’t easy, Chaylee found ways to adapt. Community played a huge role. Connecting with others online who understood what she was going through made her feel less alone. She also tapped into creativity, making spoon jewelry to connect with fellow patients and joining the Young Patients Autoimmune Research and Empowerment Alliance (YPAREA) to help make research more accessible for people her age.

Chaylee’s treatment took time to figure out. Celecoxib didn’t work and methotrexate helped but came with heavy side effects. Eventually, she started adalimumab injections, which gave her more consistent relief from psoriatic arthritis symptoms. While flare-ups still happen — especially in cold weather or under stress — she’s found ways to manage them.

Some of Chaylee’s biggest lessons? Self-advocacy is everything. Learning to speak up, ask questions, and request better care changed her life. She’s also passionate about mental health — reminding others that your worth isn’t defined by productivity and that it’s okay to rest. Psoriatic arthritis may have changed her plans, but it’s also helped her discover new passions, connect with others, and live more intentionally.

Watch Chaylee’s story to learn more:

• Discover how Chaylee rebuilt her life after her chronic illness disrupted her future plans.
• See how a correct diagnosis turned confusion into clarity and relief.
• Learn how finding creative outlets helped transform isolation into empowerment.
• Explore how Chaylee is breaking stereotypes about psoriatic arthritis and young adults.
• Get inspired by how she balances work, advocacy, and well-being despite chronic pain.