Claudia Cabrera continues to look towards the future

Claudia Cabrera moved from Peru to Boston shortly after being diagnosed with FOP at 4 years old. Though Northeastern winters require her to take extra precautions not to get sick, she considers Boston her second home, and couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.

She still enjoys visiting friends and family in Peru. Claudia said, “I visit my family’s home in Chiclayo, Peru, twice a year. It’s really warm – they have the best seafood! I even had my quinceañera there.”

In addition to traveling, Claudia loves to bake. Her specialties are lemon meringue pie, pineapple upside down cake, and key lime pie.

She has attended several IFOPA gatherings, including meetings in Philadelphia, Orlando and Brazil. “It’s great to see friends and new faces,” she said. “FOP’ers know what each other has been through. It’s helpful to meet other patients, and talk with doctors.”

Claudia has big dreams and ambitions to boot. She is currently studying at Bunker Hill Community College, and plans to obtain her bachelor’s degree in Biology before going on to medical school.

“I’m confident that good things are coming in the future. The IFOPA helps me remain hopeful,” she said. “It’s great to see so many trials in different phases. I want to become more involved in raising awareness around the signs of FOP, so there will be fewer misdiagnoses.”