We were truly amazed at the response and information we were able to share with our community about ichthyosis.

(November 6, 2001) - During Ichthyosis Awareness Week (September 30-October 7), Preston Maurer and his family hosted a bowl-a-thon to raise awareness about ichthyosis and funds for F.I.R.S.T. The event turned into a community-wide project and F.I.R.S.T. was the recipient of a very large donation.

The Maurer's had been discussing the idea of hosting a fund raiser for F.I.R.S.T. ever since attending the family conference in Philadelphia during the summer of 2000. They made plans to organize a bowl-a-thon and were hopeful, with the help of family and friends, to raise $1000.00. They never imagined the response they were to receive. Total donations for the bowl-a-thon exceeded $3800.00. And, as an added bonus, a car wash was held by some senior high school students of Redwood Valley High School and their parents. The car wash raised $500 and this gift was matched by the AAL.

The Maurer's were truly overwhelmed by the generosity of family, friends and especially strangers. Their hearts were touched by their communities desire to reach out and help those with special needs.

Preston, age 4, was born with Congenital Ichthyosiform Erythroderma (CIE), a form of ichthyosis.

Thanks to the Maurer's for this incredible event.