Winners of the Addressing Psoriasis(TM) Contest Selected to Walk the Runway in New...

Mon Jul 6, 2009 1:16pm EDT
 
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Winners of the Addressing Psoriasis(TM) Contest Selected to Walk the Runway in
New York City Fashion Show Hosted by Tim Gunn
Eight Inspiring People Will Model Custom-Designed Outfits Created by Emerging
Talent from the Fashion Institute of Technology

NEW YORK, July 6 /PRNewswire/ --  Amgen and Wyeth today announced the eight
winners of the Addressing Psoriasis(TM) contest, which recognizes people with
moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who have tried not to allow the condition
to inhibit their personal style. The winners will help raise public awareness
of the condition by walking the runway in the Addressing Psoriasis(TM) Fashion
Show hosted by television host and fashion consultant, Tim Gunn ("Project
Runway," and "Tim Gunn's Guide to Style"), on Sept. 2, 2009.

To view the Multimedia News Release, go to:
http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/amgen/38865/

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081015/AMGENLOGO )

The Addressing Psoriasis(TM) contest is the cornerstone of an awareness
campaign designed to help people with plaque psoriasis get more information
about managing their disease and feel more confident in their everyday style.
Since March, hundreds of people with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis have
submitted video testimonials or personal essays explaining their stories of
overcoming the challenges of living with the condition and how it has impacted
their personal style and the clothing they wear. As indicated in the Official
Rules, judging was based on three levels of review and a panel of judges --
including representatives from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD),
National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF), Psoriasis Cure Now (PCN), Amgen and Wyeth
-- selected the eight winners based on the inspirational nature of their
stories. The contest winners include:
    --  Matthew Ehnle of Encampment, Wyo.
    --  Isabel Esteviz of Lynwood, Ill.
    --  Trisha Lagaso Goldberg of Aiea, Hawaii
    --  Laura Hurd of Denver, Colo.
    --  Cynthia Lawrence of Hanover, Pa.
    --  Cynthia McGowen of League City, Texas
    --  Saskia Shuman of Harrisburg, Pa.


    --  Stephanie Waits of San Francisco, Calif.



As part of the contest, the general public -- including those without
psoriasis -- are now encouraged to vote for the most inspirational story among
the eight winners. The contest winner whose story is voted most inspirational
will be announced by Gunn at the Addressing Psoriasis(TM) Fashion Show and
subsequently recognized on the Addressing Psoriasis(TM) Web site. To learn
more about the winners, vote on the most inspirational story, view the
Official Rules, find useful resources about psoriasis and obtain style tips
from Gunn, visit www.addresspsoriasis.com.

"Confidence and style go hand-in-hand, and these contest winners have clearly
demonstrated that personal style can thrive even with a chronic disease like
psoriasis," said Gunn. "I find all of these individuals inspiring, and I am
curious to find out which story the voting public considers most inspirational
-- I think it will be very difficult for people to pick just one."

Psoriasis, which affects nearly 7 million Americans, is a chronic disease of
the immune system that causes the skin cells to grow at an accelerated rate.
Although there are several types of psoriasis, approximately 80 percent of
patients suffer from plaque psoriasis, which causes painful and itchy red,
scaly patches. People with psoriasis often experience feelings of
self-consciousness and choose their clothing because of the appearance of
their skin.

The fashion show will feature custom-made ensembles for each of the eight
winners designed by emerging talent from the acclaimed Fashion Institute of
Technology (FIT) in New York.

"FIT is proud to be participating in the Addressing Psoriasis(TM) Fashion
Show, which we feel will provide our students an invaluable design experience
that is tied to an important cause," said Eileen Karp, assistant professor and
contest coordinator for Fashion Design at FIT. "Our students are designing
unique outfits for each of the winners that are comfortable and representative
of their individual fashion choices. Psoriasis is a disease that can inhibit
self-confidence in personal style, and FIT is an institution that celebrates
self-expression through fashion -- in our eyes, there could be no better
match!"

About Addressing Psoriasis(TM)
The Addressing Psoriasis(TM) campaign was developed to inspire people with
plaque psoriasis to be confident and not allow the condition to inhibit their
everyday style. Addressing Psoriasis(TM) is sponsored by Amgen and Wyeth with
participation from the American Academy of Dermatology, the National Psoriasis
Foundation and Psoriasis Cure Now. To learn more about Addressing
Psoriasis(TM), visit www.addresspsoriasis.com.

About Amgen and Wyeth
Amgen discovers, develops, manufactures and delivers innovative human
therapeutics. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen was one of the first
companies to realize the new science's promise by bringing safe and effective
medicines from lab, to manufacturing plant, to patient. Amgen therapeutics
have changed the practice of medicine, helping millions of people around the
world in the fight against cancer, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and
other serious illnesses. With a deep and broad pipeline of potential new
medicines, Amgen remains committed to advancing science to dramatically
improve people's lives. To learn more about our pioneering science and our
vital medicines, visit www.amgen.com.

Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, a division of Wyeth, has leading products in the areas
of women's health care, infectious disease, gastrointestinal health, central
nervous system, inflammation, transplantation, hemophilia, oncology, vaccines
and nutritional products.

Wyeth is one of the world's largest research-driven pharmaceutical and health
care products companies. It is a leader in the discovery, development,
manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, biotechnology
products and non-prescription medicines that improve the quality of life for
people worldwide. The Company's major divisions include Wyeth Pharmaceuticals,
Wyeth Consumer Healthcare and Fort Dodge Animal Health. To learn more, visit
www.wyeth.com.

About American Academy of Dermatology
Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology
(Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most
representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more
than 15,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the
diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and
nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research
in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of
healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the Academy at
1-888-462-DERM (3376) or www.aad.org.

About National Psoriasis Foundation
The National Psoriasis Foundation is the world's largest nonprofit patient
advocacy organization and the voice for millions of Americans who are affected
by psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Our mission is to find a cure for
psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and to eliminate their devastating effects
through research, advocacy and education. For more information, call the
Psoriasis Foundation at 800.723.9166, or visit www.psoriasis.org.

About Psoriasis Cure Now
Psoriasis Cure Now is a nonprofit organization fueled by a nationwide network
of volunteers. Our focus is on accelerating the search for a cure by
mobilizing people in support of increased research funding for psoriasis and
psoriatic arthritis. We also work to educate psoriasis patients about their
treatment options and the public about the seriousness of psoriasis.
www.psoriasis-cure-now.org.

About the Fashion Institute of Technology
The Fashion Institute of Technology is a college of art and design, business
and technology of the State University of New York with more than 40 majors,
including Fashion Design. The Fashion Design degree program at FIT prepares
students to excel and flourish in the fashion industry. The program's
philosophy focuses on individual student development with an emphasis on
professionalism. The learning environment broadens students' aesthetics,
critical thinking and problem-solving skills. FIT's Fashion Design program
leads to the Associate of Applied Sciences and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees.

Press Contact:
    Amgen
    Sonia Fiorenza, (media)
    Office: 805-447-1604

    Wyeth
    Danielle Halstrom, (media)
    Office: 484-865-2020



SOURCE  Amgen, Inc.

Sonia Fiorenza, Amgen, +1-805-447-1604; or Danielle Halstrom of Wyeth,
+1-484-865-2020

 

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