(January 22, 2002) - F.I.R.S.T. cuties Hunter Steinitz, and Magui and Isabella Santos, appeared recently on the Maury Povich Show. Magui and Isabella, who both have Netherton Syndrome, appeared on the show previously to talk about how their disease affected them and some of the challenges they have faced. The girls are teenagers, and as you might imagine, they have experienced some isolation and cruelty from their peers. They are each other’s best friends and don’t have many friends besides each other.

The girls were invited back to the show and were introduced in a surprise visit to Hunter Steintiz. Hunter, age 7, with Harlequin ichthyosis, was thrilled to make friends with Magui and Isabella and to show them that there was someone else in the world who looks and feels like they do. The show treated the girls and their moms to a limousine ride and lunch at the Hard Rock Café. The Hard Rock Café staff treated the girls to all kinds of surprises along with a cake for Hunter’s 7th birthday. It was quite an experience for all.

F.I.R.S.T. extends its appreciation to the staff of the Maury Povich Show for its generosity to the girls and their families, and for highlighting the challenges that children ichthyosis face.