Today is International Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP) Awareness Day!

We at Patient Worthy understand that a lot of these diseases you may not have heard of – which is exactly why awareness days – and Patient Worthy itself! – exists!

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare disorder in which bone forms outside of the skeletal structure. Muscle, ligaments, and tendons become ossified, or replaced by bone, which can severely restrict or prevent movement.

FOP is a very rare disorder; there are approximately 800 known patients worldwide.

So here are some ways you can help add to FOP awareness today, courtesy of the International Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva Association!

LEARN – AND SHARE – THE FACTS

We’ve said it time and time again, and it bears repeating: Knowledge is power! By learning more about a problem, we empower ourselves to find the solution. Click here to learn some basic facts about FOP and share with your own patient communities and social networks.

SOCIAL MEDIA ADVOCACY

If you’re one of the several millions of people who spend a lot of time browsing through social media (I’m guilty of that myself!) – then there’s a good chance you could spread the word by just changing your profile picture! You’d be surprised how much information can casually be spread by just putting it out there on on your platforms.

Click here to get the tools you need! And never underestimate the power of a good hashtag: #FOPawarenessday #cureFOP

DONATE

For those of you that can afford it, consider making a donation.  The IFOPA has a $60,000 fundraising goal for FOP Awareness Day. Click here for details!

And click here for information on what you can do help do your part. Those with a rare disease or those who love someone with a rare disease are all part of a big family – and we gotta look out for one another.

So please, do your part today for the FOP community!

How do you spread awareness? Share your stories, thoughts, and hopes, with the Patient Worthy community!