(April 13, 2001) - The Foundation for Ichthyosis & Related Skin Types (F.I.R.S.T.) is pleased to announce Maureen F. Tierney as the New Program Director. Maureen has a masters degree in Health Education and is a Certified Health Education Specialist. She has over 18 years experience as a Medical Technologist in a community hospital setting, but her most recent experience comes from the Juvenile Arthritis Easter PA Chapter where she served as Programs Coordinator for two years.

As Programs Coordinator, Maureen was responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating all Juvenile Arthritis programs and services, working cooperatively with parent and health professional volunteers from the pediatric rheumatology centers/clinics in Eastern PA. She also served as a liaison between the medical community and families within the statewide Children’s Arthritis Network.

Ichthyosis is a genetic skin disease characterized by dry, thickened and scaly skin. Dermatologists estimate that there are at least twenty varieties of ichthyosis with a wide range of severity and associated symptoms. Approximately 16,000 babies are born each year with some form of ichthyosis.

F.I.R.S.T. is a national voluntary organization dedicated to helping families with the genetic skin diseases collectively called the ichthyoses. F.I.R.S.T. provides support, information, education and advocacy for individuals and families affected by ichthyosis. F.I.R.S.T. supports research into causes, treatment and a cure for ichthyosis. For more information about ichthyosis or a related skin type, contact the national office at 215.631.1411 or www.scalyskin.org.

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