"My daughter who’s 4 has FOP. We have only been to virtual Family Gatherings since her diagnosis so it’s nice to finally put faces to names and learn other people's diagnosis stories, advances in medicine, and things we can do in the future to help our daughter."
-- Natalie Luna-Kuhn, mom to Leilani

There is nothing like the power of community. On November 7-9, 2024, for the very first time, we're bringing the IFOPA's Family Gathering to Denver, Colorado.

We understand many families have a hard time traveling long distances, so we move the Family Gathering each year to a different part of the country to give access to families who have not had the opportunity to attend a Gathering near them. Denver is a great location for 2024 because we already have five FOP families and Dr. Ellen Elias, who has cared for multiple FOP families, in the area.

Another way we make our Family Gatherings accessible is by offering travel and lodging stipends. Thanks to our generous donors for making this possible! These stipends, available to those families who have not received an IFOPA travel or lodging stipend in the past five years, are a resource for families whose financial circumstances would otherwise prevent them from being able to attend. Applications for the 2024 Gathering will be accepted March 1-31. Priority will be given to those applicants who have never received a stipend.

Learn more about the November Gathering and how to apply for a stipend >

Curious to see what a Family Gathering is like? Check out the 2023 Highlight Video