Rylee Iott has always enjoyed being active and being outdoors, but the young Flandreau native will be challenging herself physically like never before this coming spring.
Iott, who many know, lives with a condition called Ichthyosis, a group of skin disorders that lead to dry, itchy skin that appears scaly, rough, and red. The symptoms can range from mild to severe — most individuals affected are unable to sweat, which makes it a challenge to regulate body temperature, especially in hot conditions. There is a greater chance in those conditions of dehydration and overheating. A person’s skin is also very sensitive to the sun which increases the likelihood of becoming burnt.
Some forms of the disease can affect internal organs as well.  
A rim to rim hike of the Grand Canyon to raise money for Ichthyosis awareness will take a lot of planning, preparation, and caution. Iott, aware of the dangers, is also staying focused on the incredible opportunity before her.  

“I love hiking and being active outdoors. I do my best to not let my skin restrict me from trying new things and experiences,” she said. “In the end, it is hard to admit that I am limited in what I can do before putting myself in danger. This hike will be a tremendous boost in my confidence in what I can accomplish despite my disorder. My team and I have started training to prepare for this journey and the challenges that come along with it.”
The Grand Canyon hike was introduced by FIRST (Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin Types) as a fundraiser for Ichthyosis Awareness Month in May. Iott said the organization encouraged those affected with Ichthyosis and family members to join the hike — she and her family have been raising money for FIRST since she can remember. She will be hiking with four other affected people, five of their family members, one medic, and two guides.
“During our hike,” she said, “we will face long stretches of direct sun and possible temps of 100 degrees. At our campsites on the rim of the canyon, there could possibly be snow, so we must be prepared for both extremes. I am equally excited and nervous for this adventure. I know it will be both a mental and physical challenge for me but also a great way to raise money and awareness for the organization.”
Iott said that she feels the work she and her family have done, along with an incredibly supportive community here in Moody County, have made a difference for FIRST. The organization has grown and been able to grow the research it is doing and better financially support affected individuals and families.   
“The most important thing that people should understand about the organization is that they truly care about the overall livelihood of families impacted. They provide education for parents, scholarships for students, camps for teens, and funds for those who are unable to afford expensive medical care. They would not be able to have such great an impact without support and donations made from fundraisers like this one,” said Iott.
Each individual must raise $3,000 to go on the hike. The first $1,000 covers the cost of the group’s guides, camp, and food. The other $2,000 and anything else raised above that will be donated directly to support FIRST.
If not financially able, said Iott, she hopes you’ll share words of encouragement, podcasts or playlists for training, hiking tips and tricks, and keep her and the rest of her team in your prayers throughout the entire experience. For more information or to donate, you can contact Iott at ryleeiott19@outlook.com or 605-864-8109. You can also visit the group’s fundraising page at givebutter.com/IAM2023 or scan the QR code.