I would like to dedicate this myspace page to Tristan Blake (July 7th, 1987 to August 2nd, 1987), Zachary Ryan (Oct 5, 1990 to Oct 5, 1990), Caleb Adam (May 9th, 1993 to May 9th, 1993)who all passed away from the dreadful disorder of Harlequin Ichthyosis. Those who've been invited to this page pretty much know me by now. You know I'm a writer, a mother. (I may not have had the privelege of keeping my three sons, but I was blessed with two beautiful daughters.) I truly loved working with those who suffer from Alzheimer's and perhaps if things change, one day I'll get to work with them again. I'm definately a BIG Nascar Fan. I'm also deeply religious. And I'm an all around friendly person with a great sense of humor. With the life I've lead, it takes a lot to offend or embarrass me.HARLEQUIN ICHTHYOSIS:Harlequin ichthyosis is a severe and very rare genetic disorder that mainly affects the skin. Infants with this condition are born with very hard, thick skin covering most of their bodies. The skin forms large diamond-shaped plates separated by deep cracks (fissures). These skin abnormalities affect the shape of the eyelids, nose, mouth, and ears, and restrict movement of the arms and legs. Restricted movement of the chest can lead to breathing difficulties and respiratory failure.The skin normally forms a protective barrier between the body and its surrounding environment. The skin abnormalities associated with harlequin ichthyosis disrupt this barrier, making it more difficult for affected infants to control water loss, regulate their body temperature, and fight infections. Infants with harlequin ichthyosis often experience an excessive loss of fluids from the body (dehydration) and develop life-threatening infections during the newborn period.
