There is strength in numbers, and our Regional Support Network will prove this statement true.

The Ichthyosis Support Network (ISN) will now be known as the Regional Support Network (RSN). The Foundation is excited to be making positive changes that will impact our members and strengthen our current support network, through communication with caring and compassionate volunteers. The Regional Support Network will be divided into eight regions in the United States, one region in Canada, and one International region. Each region will be led by a Regional Coordinator and supported by Regional Volunteers. The benefit of regionalizing the Support Network is for individuals to communicate with others in close proximity to one another, and to form a stronger connection. In addition to communicating by phone, email, or in person, the Foundation, will be hosting biennial regional meetings with the assistance of the Regional Coordinator. These meetings will be held during odd years, alternating with the Family Conference.

The structure of the Regional Support Network is very similar to the ISN. If a call is received at the F.I.R.S.T. office by someone seeking a connection, that caller will be matched with the Regional Volunteer within his/her geographic region. Understanding the rarity of ichthyosis, the office will connect callers and volunteers by disease type within the region; and then by social profiles like age, gender, marital status, ages of children, etc.

Please help strengthen the Regional Support Network and become a Regional Volunteer.

As a Regional Volunteer, you will be asked to:

• Contact members that are interested in receiving support.
• Keep a log of individuals contacted.
• Actively participate or organize awareness or grassroots events.
• Attend biennial regional meetings.
• Attend quarterly conference call meetings hosted by the Foundation.