It’s always gratifying to hear about celebrities doing whatever they can to help others out. CariDee English, the winner of America’s Next Top Model‘s 7th Cycle, is a spokesperson for the National Psoriasis Foundation and has accomplished many things to promote psoriasis awareness. This year, she lent a hand to the annual Walk for Awareness, held around the three-mile exercise trail at Country Club Drive in Aventura.
“The whole community gets involved. It’s really cool,” CariDee English said. She had already participated in last year’s walk, and continues to support the organization. As many might know, English has suffered from psoriasis since she was five. She believed this skin-and-joint disorder would hinder her from achieving her dreams of becoming a model. However, she sought treatment and now encourages others to do the same.
The Portland-based National Psoriasis Foundation not only aids in raising money for the Victor Henschel Bank, which houses DNA samples for researchers who study the condition. The organization has also helped correct the public’s misconceptions about psoriasis, and the Aventura walk has inspired other cities to take part as well.
“A lot of people think psoriasis is eczema. Big deal, it’s an itch,” said attorney Andy Henschel, who has endured the disease since the age of 14. “People suffer tremendously with it. They suffer in silence. They don’t want anybody to know about it.”
“We’re pushing like crazy,” he said about the Walk. “We need all the help we can get.” The third annual walk aims to raise $250,000 for the cause, but so far it hasn’t been reached. Its inaugural year was a success, as $265,000 was raised for research and 600 walkers attended. The second time around brought 900 walkers, but only $190,000 was produced.
Of course, it might be even more of a success with enough publicity. Since America’s Next Top Model‘s CariDee English is present, things might just go full swing. Other than getting involved in the Walk, she has been slated to stop by the Henschel’s Skylake Home, for a pizza party with kids who have raised $250 or formed a team of 10 for this year’s event.
-Maria Gonzalez, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: The Miami Herald
(Image Courtesy of the CW)
Staff Writer, BuddyTV
