Hunter Steinitz, 15, of Brighton Heights, shares a laugh with her school principal, Melissa Pearlman of Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12, as they read the proclamation from City Council that was presented to her Tuesday.

Hunter has Harlequin ichthyosis, a rare condition characterized by the severe thickening of the skin. She is one of 10 Americans with the disease.

The proclamation, which declared Tuesday as Hunter Steinitz Day, was given to Hunter for her courage, strength and intense drive to educate others about the disease.

Watch a video report, "Living with Harlequin Ichthyosis."

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