Google the word "psoriasis," click on "Images," and you'll pull up a screen of grim photos like those above. That's what Michael Paranzino, president of the advocacy group Psoriasis Cure Now, wants congressional staffers to do as part of a campaign to increase federal research funding for -- and awareness of -- the chronic skin condition. Last week, in a "shock lobbying" move, Paranzino issued a "60 Second Google Challenge" to about 1,000 Hill staffers, e-mailing them this link: images.google.com/images?q=psoriasis. "If a picture is worth a thousand words," Paranzino said, "then here's 20,000 words."
As many as 7.5 million Americans -- mostly adults -- suffer from psoriasis, marked by patches of itchy or painfully inflamed skin. Treatments can ease symptoms, but no cure exists. "Admittedly, it's a little gimmicky," Paranzino said of his campaign. "But it's a twist that might catch a staffer's eye."
(Www.google.com)
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-- Matt McMillen
