February 2020 eNewsletter
This eNewsletter contains news and information for anyone living with FOP and those who care for them. This includes family and friends, caretakers, physicians, researchers and IFOPA supporters.
Join Us on an Adventure of Self-Care

February marks the beginning of an exciting new offering here at the IFOPA: The Resilient Living Educational Series.
Join us next Tuesday, February 25, for the first of a 10-part series. Starting at 8 pm EST we'll be focusing on why our bodies and minds need daily habits that promote resilience .


Can't make the first webinar? No problem... check out our schedule or sign up for the March 24 training about identifying and expressing true emotions as a critical tool to overcoming stress .
2 New FOP Research Grants Awarded Thanks to Million Dollar Bike Ride

Each June FOP community members and advocates ride in the Penn Orphan Disease Center Million Dollar Bike Ride to raise funds for FOP research. In 2019, these riders (some in Philadelphia and some who rode virtually from their hometowns) raised more than $80,000. There were 9 applicants and we are pleased to announce the 2 awardees - Dr. Shailesh Agarwal and Dr. Jaymin Upadhyay .

Be sure to save the date for the next Million Dollar Bike Ride – June 13, 2020! If you'd like to make sure you receive information about riding in Philadelphia or riding virtually from your hometown, send an email to cathryn.roys@ifopa.org .

It’s time to get ready for Rare Disease Day 2020!

With #RareDiseaseDay on February 29 , February is the perfect month to join together with the IFOPA and rare disease organizations around the world to raise awareness of the 7,000 rare diseases. 
 
Life with an Assistance Dog & the Process to Find the Right Match Webinar

Join FOP community member Erin Danzer as she shares how her dog Pine has been a valuable tool for staying independent with FOP.

Canine Companions for Independence Applicant Program Manager Erin Rich will also be with us to provide a brief overview of the process to apply and be matched. She will also answer frequently asked questions about assistance dogs.

This webinar will take place on Monday, February 24 at 1 pm EST/12 pm CST/11 am MST/10 am PST .

University of Michigan Publishes Article Identifying Different Immune Cell Types Post Injury

We're pleased to share this  recently published article from the  @Levi_Lab at the University of Michigan.

The Levi Lab is active in FOP research and hosted a research symposium on Heterotopic Ossification in September 2018. Since 2015, the University of Michigan has received three grants through the IFOPA's ACT (Accelerating Cures & Treatments) for FOP Grant Program. Congratulations to the Levi Lab on this publication.


Have you become an IFOPA Partner in Possibilities?

The IFOPA’s monthly donor program, F ocus  O n  P ossibilities, launched one year ago and has grown to over 60 donors from four countries who have committed to being partners in this special program that defines the heart of the FOP community.

Celebrate Rare Disease Day with an IFOPA Research Webinar

Did you know that the IFOPA funds a lot more FOP research work than just the FOP Lab at UPenn and the FOP Registry? Rare Disease Week is a special week to celebrate and a great opportunity to learn about all that your support makes possible in FOP research.

Join us February 28 at Noon EST for a webinar with Adam Sherman, IFOPA's Director of Research Development & Partnerships , to learn about all of the ways the IFOPA advances FOP research in the United States and around the world.

Please note: This webinar is about the IFOPA's research work; not the clinical trials being conducted by pharmaceutical companies.

FOP Australia Finds Fundraising Success

FOP Australia formed just a few short years ago, but the families involved are already making huge strides to raise funds and awareness to support the FOP community. From a Trivia Night to a Bridge Run to a Monthly Giving Program the community is coming together to support FOP research and more.