Tracie Pretak

Foundation for Ichthyosis & Related Skin Types, Inc. (FIRST)

Our mission is to improve lives and seek cures for those affected with ichthyosis or a related skin type. We are a caring organization recognizing the unique challenges faced by our community and provide support with kindness and empathy. While celebrating today's strengths and successes, we strive to convey that the future will be filled with friendship, support and cures. We conduct ourselves in a trustworthy, ethical, and reliable manner in everything we do and say and provide accurate and timely information to meet the medical, social and educational needs of our community. FIRST produces and distributes reliable information for those affected by ichthyosis. A listing of the booklets and resources is available clicking 'Publications & Educational Library' under the 'Research and Support' tab on the top navigation. Our newsletter, Ichthyosis Focus, is devoted exclusively to the special interests and needs of the ichthyosis community. The Regional Support Network (RSN) and national and regional conferences provide an effective way for our members to identify and interact with one another. The FIRST's Research Program has funded $1.4 million in research grants since its inception in 2006. The Research Grant Program supports biomedical research into a cure for ichthyosis, new effective treatments, young investigators, and fresh ideas.