About Us
Dane's Friends for FIRST (Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin Types) is a fundraising concert event that was inspired by the life and memory of our 3 1/2 year old son, Dane Christian Phelps. Dane suffered from a rare genetic skin disorder called ichthyosis, which is characterized by dry, scaling skin that can be thickened or very thin. In Dane’s case, his heart was affected as well, tragically leading to unexpected heart failure at the precious age of 3 ½ years old.
As members of FIRST since 2007, and parents of a beautiful child who lost his life due to the severity of his condition, our mission is to raise awareness and research funding for families around the world battling such rare skin disorders as ichthyosis. FIRST is the organization that will transition this hope into reality.
With the inspiration of our precious little boy Dane, and of our twins (Dane’s older brother and sister) who are a musician and a competitive dancer, we decided that a concert/show would be our goal for a grassroots fundraising event. It is an understatement to say we were amazed at the level of support and talent offered as soon as others learned of our dream: Professional musicians, choreographers, researchers, vocalists, professional stage directors and managers, students, dancers, not to mention all those (both individuals and local businesses) who were immediately willing to contribute to our event. The list is endless. It is truly an example of answered prayer.
Our vision is to provide a stage shared by students and their mentors, a stage shared by amateurs and professionals, a stage shared by performing artists and physicians and scientists. Our hope is to inspire the next generation of dancers, musicians, and researchers so they can bring healing to those in need. Our dream is to find treatments for ichthyosis, and eventually…a cure.
“Our loss is immeasurable, but our greatest joy is in knowing that Dane’s life can still make a difference for others.”
Please visit FIRST’s website at www.firstskinfoundation.org to learn more about the many forms of ichthyosis.
As members of FIRST since 2007, and parents of a beautiful child who lost his life due to the severity of his condition, our mission is to raise awareness and research funding for families around the world battling such rare skin disorders as ichthyosis. FIRST is the organization that will transition this hope into reality.
With the inspiration of our precious little boy Dane, and of our twins (Dane’s older brother and sister) who are a musician and a competitive dancer, we decided that a concert/show would be our goal for a grassroots fundraising event. It is an understatement to say we were amazed at the level of support and talent offered as soon as others learned of our dream: Professional musicians, choreographers, researchers, vocalists, professional stage directors and managers, students, dancers, not to mention all those (both individuals and local businesses) who were immediately willing to contribute to our event. The list is endless. It is truly an example of answered prayer.
Our vision is to provide a stage shared by students and their mentors, a stage shared by amateurs and professionals, a stage shared by performing artists and physicians and scientists. Our hope is to inspire the next generation of dancers, musicians, and researchers so they can bring healing to those in need. Our dream is to find treatments for ichthyosis, and eventually…a cure.
“Our loss is immeasurable, but our greatest joy is in knowing that Dane’s life can still make a difference for others.”
Please visit FIRST’s website at www.firstskinfoundation.org to learn more about the many forms of ichthyosis.