March 5, 2005 (Lansdale, PA) For the second year in a row, Sovereign Bank of Reading, PA has awarded F.I.R.S.T. with a grant to fund the reprinting of publications for the ichthyosis community. Specifically, the $4,300 grant will be used to reprint two booklets: Ichthyosis:An Overview and Ichthyosis:The Genetics of Its Inheritance. The funds will also allow the Foundation to produce an 8 ½ x 11color photo slick that will be used for pharmaceutical solicitations and educational mailings.

“We are grateful to have such generous partners such as Sovereign Bank,” said Jean Pickford, Executive Director of FI.R.S.T. “These booklets on ichthyosis serve as an invaluable tool not only for educating people about the disorder, but they also provide our families a great resource for information and support. We are thrilled to be able to produce them once again through the money provided by Sovereign Bank,” Pickford added.

In 2003, Sovereign Bank funded FI.R.S.T. with a grant in the amount of $5,000 which enabled the Foundation to reprint Release the Butterfly: A Handbook for Parents & Caregivers of Children with Ichthyosis and Ichthyosis: A Guide for Teachers.