(November 8, 2001) - Congratulations to Heather and Caitie Gattuccio on winning the prestigious Gracie Allen Award. Heather is a former RSN Coordinator for F.I.R.S.T. and her husband, Nick, is a past executive director. This award is given each year by The American Women in Radio & Television. For over 25 years the AWRT has dedicated itself to programming by, for, and about women. They strive to encourage positive and realistic portrayals of women in today’s society. This past May, the awards ceremony was held in New York City, where the winners gathered to celebrate their achievements. Some of this year’s other winners include: Rosie O’Donnell, Debbie Allen, ABC News - 20/20, and Dateline.

The Gattuccio’s radio production, entitled “Caitie’s Story,” was written and produced by Heather Gattuccio. Speaking about her daughter, Caitie, this documentary essay depicts the physical, emotional and mental impact lamellar ichthyosis has had on their family. Heather describes what it was like when Caitie was born and how they are coping with the difficult situations facing their family as Caitie grows up. Nine-year-old Caitie shares her feelings about what it is like to have ichthyosis and how she sees her future.

Cassettes of “Caitie’s Story” are available through SoundPrint Media for $12.50 each. You can listen to Caitie’s story at http://www.soundprint.org/radio/display_show/ID/29/name/Caitie%27s+Story or order your own copy at http://www.soundprint.org, or by calling 1.888.38.TAPES or writing to Soundprint Media Center, Inc., 525 Main Street, Suite 105, Laurel, MD 20707.