There are approximately 50 million Americans who suffer from autoimmune diseases according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, so chances are you know or have known someone with an autoimmune disease.
For those unfamiliar with Psoriasis, it is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the skin, causing visible inflammation and patches on those with it. Treatment ranges from topical creams, phototherapy, and even protein injections.
The 6th Annual Psoriasis Health Fair is Saturday, Aug. 24 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Fit4Life Gym, located at 2803 Ft. Bragg Rd. The event is free to the public and will include vendors, activities, crafts, and of course, food. Sponsors for the event this year include Dmathisphere Art Gallery, FIt4Life Gym (ft. Bragg road), Lifes a Trip Adventure Club, Sweet Frog, Superior Bakery, Falcon Focus, Mcgee Cadd Reprographics, Flii Apparel & Accessories, Mac Healy Wholesale, Dicks Sporting Goods and Amber Little Marketing.
Takieyah Mathis is the powerhouse behind this event. A Fayetteville native, Mathis, who suffers from psoriasis, has made it her mission to bring autoimmune awareness to Cumberland County and globally and connect individuals and families to resources.
“[This] event brings out so many colors of people with autoimmune diseases beyond psoriasis. My community has been so supportive since day one. This health fair is all about fellowship with others who have a chronic illness or have a relative who is suffering. We come together to learn more about the illnesses, what new resources are available, and even share testimonies,” Mathis explained. This year’s psoriasis awareness event is one of the largest Mathis has put on, something she is proud of and can’t wait for the community to participate in, saying, “During the event, we usually have some fitness activities such as Zumba and yoga, we also include interactive art activities, and we share resources not only from my organization but the others who are involved. We will have food, and some amazing vendors from nonprofits to crafters, and yes, we always have a dance team, speakers, and artists such as my husband Damien Mathis and psoriasis warrior Nick Shaw doing something artsy with the kids at the event … I would love for the community to participate because the support is needed for us to get the research, funding, and medicines needed. The support needed beyond that is extremely personal because everybody has a story. The community impact matters to nonprofits like mine that are trying to spread awareness to the unaware. There is power in numbers when we come together in nothing but love. We are giving people what they need for free, exercise, peace of mind, education, resources, and most of all, fun. This event is extremely family-friendly, everyone is welcome.”
As a nonprofit founder, Mathis is spearheading projects that not only bring resources to those who need them but connect the mind, body, and spirit. Her nonprofit, The Standing Light Foundation is a great resource.
“The Mission of the Standing Light Foundation is to provide resources through creative awareness and community development projects. I wanted to bridge the gap between mental and physical health with art by creating safe spaces of creativity. We produce art events, provide gardening opportunities, fashion shows, and charity events and we also assist in the resources a person may need to improve their environment. I integrated trauma and art because growing up as a child who dealt with domestic violence, child abandonment, and sexual assault, I had to find an outlet and now I can provide that to others,” Mathis said.
Mother, wife, nonprofit founder, national speaker, nonprofit superstar, the list goes on. Mathis is a woman of many hats and talents. Her dedication to a cause bigger than herself, while still maintaining a home life, is no small feat, and worth all the praise she gets. To stay up-to-date on upcoming events follow her Facebook https://www.facebook.com/p.kashh and The Standing Light Foundation, https://www.facebook.com/Thestandinglightfoundation/.