Be FIRST on the Dance Floor!
A night of dancing to raise funds and awareness for rare skin disorder.
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Maureen Neville, Communications Director
215.997.9400
mneville@firstskinfoundation.org

Fort Collins, CO - February 12, 2015 - Friends and family members of Allan Schell will be wearing their dancing shoes on Saturday evening, February 21, 2015, to raise funds for the Foundation for Ichthyosis & Related Skin Types, Inc. (FIRST). Allan and his wife Michelle are hosting this event because Allan is affected with X-linked ichthyosis, a rare skin disorder that causes dry skin, flaking, and in severe cases, significant overheating problems. Allan attended  FIRST's National Family Conference in 2012 when it was held in Denver. Participating in this biennial event, forged many connections and provided them with education about this rare disorder. By way of this fundraising event, the Schell family is giving back to FIRST for their continuous support.

FIRST on the Dance Floor will be held on Saturday evening, February 21, at the Fort Collins Senior Center, 1200 Raintree Drive, Fort Collins. Tickets are $10 per person. There will be also a wonderful silent auction, for which Allan says he is "overwhelmed by the generosity of local businesses that have donated over $2,500 in items." For tickets or additional information, please email Michelle at firstonthedancefloor@gmail.com

“There is no known cure for ichthyosis, only treatments,” said Jean Pickford, Executive Director of FIRST.  “It is our hope that with the funds raised from this evening, we can continue to conduct more extensive research and provide services to the members of FIRST taking us one step closer to finding a cure and better management of the disorder.  We can’t thank the Schell family enough for their efforts and support.”

According to FIRST, each year, more than 16,000 babies are born with some form of ichthyosis, of those, approximately 300 are born with a moderate to severe form.  This disease affects people of all ages, races, and gender. The disease usually presents at birth, or within the first year, and continues to affect the patient throughout their lifetime. 

About the Foundation for Ichthyosis & Related Skin Types, Inc.^®
The Foundation for Ichthyosis & Related Skin Types, Inc.^® (FIRST) is the only nonprofit foundation in the United States dedicated to families affected by the rare skin disorder ichthyosis.  Approximately 300 babies each year are born with a moderate to severe form of ichthyosis.  FIRST educates, inspires, and connects those touched by ichthyosis and related disorders through emotional support, information, advocacy, and has supported more than $1.4 million in research funding for better treatments and eventual cures.  For more information, call toll-free at 1.800.545.3286 or visit www.firstskinfoundation.org.

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