Why I Donate to NEA: Ashley Ann Lora

Eczema affects everything — how I engage with my partner, my day-to-day life and my career choice. In 2014, at 22, I found the National Eczema Association (NEA) online. That’s when my life pivoted and changed. Learning about NEA catapulted me to where I am now — a patient advocate building an online community and advocating for the needs of the eczema community. Visiting the NEA website made me realize that 31 million Americans live with eczema and, for the first time, I understood I wasn’t alone.

I was diagnosed with eczema as a baby. It was quite the journey helping my family understand what I go through physically and emotionally, involving many doctor appointments, tears and missed school days. Growing up, I didn’t truly understand eczema or my relationship with it until 22 years later.

The resources on NEA’s website shattered my limiting beliefs around eczema, including the notion that I was alone and whether I could heal. I learned about NEA’s annual patient conference, Eczema Expo, and attended my first Expo in 2017. I couldn’t believe I had missed out on an in-person event where I could meet others who understand my story and meet doctors who make me feel seen and heard. This experience significantly improved my quality of life and my relationship with eczema. NEA has played a crucial role in building my confidence and teaching me how to manage my condition.

I give back to the eczema community by facilitating monthly support groups and speaking at Eczema Expo. I also wanted to contribute in another way, so I decided to support NEA financially. My donations help provide essential resources to our eczema community. I love giving monthly because it’s automatic and consistent. Contributing to NEA feels incredibly rewarding!

I wish I had someone when I was younger to guide me on how to live well with eczema. Now that I have that knowledge, my life has transformed, and I can help others. I can live life alongside my eczema and still do all the things I want to do.

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Flare Fighters are a special club of people who support NEA’s mission with a monthly gift. Your generosity supports critical research and community programs while advancing the future of eczema care. Sign up today.