Welcome!

Hello all!  Welcome to Runs for Relief, a brand-new project that aims to do the following:

• Raise awareness of Psoriasis, a chronic skin and arthritic condition that affects nearly 3% of the entire population of our planet.
• Raise funds for foundations that support psoriasis-related research, such as the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IPFA) and the National Psoriasis Foundation here in the U.S.A.
• Accomplish these goals while tackling all-day adventure runs across various U.S. states!

Starting small, the first of these runs will take place in Rhode Island on February 27th.  With the support of the National Psoriasis Foundation, we hope to wear their logo and serve as ambassadors on behalf of the organization as we complete this 50-60 mile run in one day.

This project is currently being spearheaded by two alumni of UNC-Asheville, Jon Harrison and Rob Rives.  We are two of the nearly 7.5 million Americans who suffer from various types of psoriasis.  It is our aim to inspire, both those afflicted and un-afflicted by psoriasis, and show that much can be accomplished despite the effects of this disease.  Support for this project in any way is greatly appreciated, and we would love for you to join us on our runs!  More information to come soon.  In the meantime, here are some links to websites dedicated to psoriasis research:

http://www.psoriasis.org/
http://www.ifpa-pso.org/
http://www.everydayhealth.com/blog/itch-to-beat-psoriasis/category/psoriasis-research/

And, you can contact us at runsforrelief@gmail.com

-- Robert Rives, January 11th, 2012