COVID-19 brought many unexpected changes in 2020, one of which being the need to cancel in-person events all over the world. For years, community fundraising events have been vital to pursuing the IFOPA's mission which is to fund research to find a cure for FOP while supporting, connecting and advocating for individuals with FOP and their families, and raising awareness worldwide.

The COVID-19 crisis underscores the need for the IFOPA to press forward with its mission, and fundraising, even during these challenging times, must continue. In 2020, three FOP families held their events (Midnight Sun Color Run, ZipperQ and FOP Ashley's Cure Finding a Cure Gala) by shifting to a virtual or socially distanced format. Families organized three new events — B.A.D. to the Bone, a hybrid socially distanced/virtual biking event; Gaming for a Cure, a new virtual video game tournament; and #WalkRunRollforFOP, an online t-shirt fundraiser.

Even during social distancing, you can turn your existing hobbies and passions – anything from running to eating to games to golf – into a fundraising opportunity. As we enter a new year with in-person limitations remaining in place, there are still many ways you can fundraise to help #cureFOP. Check out some ideas at ifopa.org/virtual_events. If you or someone you know would like help planning a socially distanced or virtual fundraising event, please contact Fundraising and Special Projects Manager Cathryn Roys.