Patients' optimism buoys foundation

As more patients find successful treatments, they're increasingly willing and able to give back, the National Psoriasis Foundation's president says.

On the whole, Gail M. Zimmerman says, "There's been a very big change in the attitude of psoriasis patients with whom we come in contact." Previously, she says, "It was very difficult for us to get volunteers for many years. We'd get a few, but generally people were just struggling" with their disease.

But now, as a result of the availability of biologic drugs and the empowering nature of the Internet, she says, "They're expressing much more hope and a more positive attitude toward the future. Consequently, that has led to more volunteers" and donations from grateful patients. "This means that as an organization, we can be more successful," Ms. Zimmerman adds.