"In these rarest of children mother nature has hidden secrets that, if uncovered, would impact all other diseases that affect the masses"
Dr Fred Kaplan, International FOP Specialist
Dr Fred Kaplan, International FOP Specialist
What is Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP)?
FOP Turns Children into Human Statuesa healthy mind locked inside a frozen body. It is an ultra-rare orphan disease which progressively turns muscles and connective tissue to bone, permanently fusing their joints and causing immobility.
The malformed big toes and presentation of mysterious swellings and/or stiffness are easily identified signs but often missed due to lack of awareness. Canada is the first country to approve a drug to lessen the ossification oif muscle during an FOP flare-up and there are other potential compounds under development in the pipeline which could be useful for more common medical conditions that affect much larger groups of people. Researchers are also looking at what positive impact FOP research/treatments may have for people with childhood brain cancer, osteoporosis, chronic anemia, stem cell therapy, atherosclerosis, vascular calcification and heterotopic ossification experienced by wounded soldiers and a percentage of hip surgery patients. So please help, because the hope of children and adults with FOP rests with people like you, people who care.
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Tin Soldiers - Searching for the Undiagnosed around the world and in Canada
Now more than ever we need to reach out and find all the Canadian FOP patients. New research estimates 1 in 1 million is the prevalence of FOP births or 34 in Canada. To help patients access medical therapies and treatment in Canada or share important drug trial information we need to have a fulsome patient registry. Please see the clip below on the Tin Soldier initiative and the important work they are doing globally to bring awareness and education.
Past EVENTS
LONDON
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NEW MARKET
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SAULT STE MARIE
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Videos from our Global FOP Community
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