America's Next Top Model seventh season winner CariDee English represented the National Psoriasis Foundation at a congressional briefing on June 11th in Washington, D.C. The briefing, which was held in support of the Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Research, Cure and Care Act, had more than a hundred people as an audience, anxious to hear English and other speakers talk about the debilitating disease.



"It was gratifying to speak out in favor of the psoriasis bill with people who have the power to make it happen," said the 21 year old model.

English, who was a victim of the disease herself, was diagnosed when she was only five years old. By the time she reached her teen years, the disease had covered around 70% of her body. Her lifelong dream was to become a model, and this was slowly dying as her condition worsened over time. However, thanks to her doctor who was able to help her control the disease, she was able to gain confidence to try out and eventually win America's Next Top Model Cycle 7.

In May this year, she became the spokesperson for the National Psoriasis Foundation, a non-profit organization that raises awareness and understanding about the disease through education and advocacy.

"Psoriasis awareness is very important to me," said the victorious winner of ANTM's seventh cycle. "I want others with the disease to know they are not alone. I want to inspire them to live their dreams."

English's mother, Pam Flesness, who suffers from psoriasis, became a member of the organization when English was younger. Flesness was present at the congressional briefing where her daughter and the other speakers talked about the systemic nature of psoriasis and its roots in the immune system. English addressed a number of questions regarding the disease, including how it emotionally and physically affects her, what it's like to live with psoriasis and the new psoriasis legislation.

In February, the said legislation was first introduced to the House of Representatives by Rep. David Wu, D-Oregon. Wu also discussed the legislation and the importance of finding a cure for psoriasis at the congressional briefing.

English is expected to appear at the National Psoriasis Foundation 2007 National Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, to be held on August 17 to 18.