April 23 is International FOP Awareness Day!

Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP) is an ultra-rare, severely disabling genetic disease, affecting 1 in 1.5 million people. It is characterized by two major hallmarks: malformed big toes and bone formation in muscles, tendons, ligaments and other connective tissues.

April 23, 2006; a historic date in FOP research. The University of Pennsylvania announces their breakthrough discovery of the FOP gene: ACVR1. Thus, this date is now celebrated as International FOP Awareness Day!

If you are interested in the story of Nadine, a PhD student in the Knaus lab, and her life with FOP, please click this link:

Youtube link: For a Chance- Nadine