FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                       

Contact: 
Lisa Breuning
215.997.9400
lbreuning@firstskinfoundation.org

FIRST RECEIVES $35,000 DONATION FROM BRENTWOOD PRODUCTIONS
President-Elect’s Vacation Home Used for Upcoming Arnold Schwarzenegger Movie

COLMAR, PA and GAINESVILLE, GA (December 18, 2012) – When Mike Briggs, President-Elect for Foundation for Ichthyosis & Related Skin Types, Inc. (FIRST) was approached by a scouting crew to use his home on Lake Lanier in Gainesville, Georgia for an upcoming movie, the answer was simple. 

“I told them they were free to film at my home, as long as they agreed to donate all of the rental fees associated with the use of my property to FIRST,” said Mike Briggs, who will become President of FIRST beginning in January 2013.  “When the producers heard that, they decided to make the donation larger and have donated $35,000 to the Foundation. We couldn’t be more thrilled.”

Filming wrapped up last week, and stars on the set, including Schwarzenegger, had a meet and greet with Briggs’ grandson Adam Klafter, who is affected with epidermolytic  ichthyosis.   The movie, “Ten” is slated to come out next year.

“Although there is no known cure for this disease, donations such as this will assist us to fund research to help us not only get closer to a cure, but to better manage the disorder,” said Jean Pickford, Executive Director of FIRST.  

According to FIRST, each year, more than 16,000 babies are born with some form of ichthyosis.  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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