Research Fireside Chat with Dr. David Goldhamer
Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)
Dr. David Goldhamer at the University of Connecticut has worked in FOP research for decades, studying the biological processes that control muscle development and regeneration, and how muscle cells and tissues get reprogrammed to form bone in FOP. To do this, he uses specialized mouse models (created by his lab) that develop FOP. Using these FOP mice, he can study the cells and biological signals responsible for the abnormal bone growth in FOP.
With his ACT for FOP grant from the IFOPA, Dr. Goldhamer explores the effect of FOP on muscle repair and regeneration in response to injury. In FOP, the normal muscle-healing process can be hijacked and redirected toward making new bone instead. Dr. Goldhamer aims to determine whether the stem cells responsible for muscle regeneration are malfunctioning or receiving the wrong signals from nearby cells at the site of the flare-up that could be driving them to form bone.
Understanding this will help us better understand how heterotopic ossification (HO) starts and may eventually guide new treatments.Join us at Noon EDT/18:00 CEST for a Research Fireside Chat with Dr. David Goldhamer, who was recently awarded an IFOPA Accelerating Cures & Treatments (ACT) for FOP grant, and this informal conversation — moderated by IFOPA Research Director Mark Hamilton, PhD — is your chance to learn more about his work and ask your own questions.Fireside Chats are informal, conversational sessions designed to give the FOP community direct access to the researchers working on your behalf. They're a great opportunity to hear the science in plain language and engage directly with the people behind it.
Register here, and you'll have the opportunity to submit questions in advance so Dr. Goldhamer can address what matters most to you.
August FOP Caregiver Support Group
Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)
The Caregiver Support Group meets monthly from Noon to 1 pm EDT / 18:00 to 19:00 CEST.
Whether you're a parent or a partner, caring for a loved one with FOP is a unique experience that few can relate to. You deserve a community that understands your life and encourages you through the highs and lows.
Join our monthly Caregiver Support Group and connect with fellow caregivers to get questions answered, share your experiences, and support each other as you support your loved ones.
Each session is moderated by counseling psychologist Dr. Al Freedman, whose son lived for 26 years with a rare disease.
Due to the conversational nature of this meeting, participants must be able to speak and understand English. The meeting lasts for 60 minutes.
August FOP Peer Support Group
Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)
This month's Peer Support Group for Adults with FOP meets from 6pm to 7pm pm EDT.
The group provides an opportunity to connect and share experiences, suggestions and techniques to navigate challenges brought up in group discussions.
Counseling Psychologist Dr. Al Freedman, who also had a child with a rare disease, will offer suggestions and techniques to help navigate challenges that are brought up in group discussions.
Due to the conversational nature of the meeting, participants must be able to speak and understand English. The meeting lasts for 60 minutes.Please note: Our August Peer Support Group for Adults with FOP will meet in the evening. The Peer Support Group will return to Noon EDT/18:00 CEST in September.
September FOP Bereaved Families Virtual Meeting
Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 07:00 PM Central Time (US & Canada)
The FOP Bereaved Families Group is an opportunity for those who have lost a friend or loved one to FOP to come together virtually to support each other.
Join us on Zoom, Thursday, September 10, at 8 pm ET.
Sign up and submit any comments or suggestions in advance by emailing [email protected]
Due to the conversational nature of the meeting, participants must be able to speak and understand English.2026 In Pursuit of a Cure Day of Giving
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 12:00 AM through September 16, 2026 Eastern Time (US & Canada)
Join us Tuesday, September 15 for Day of Giving
The 2026 In Pursuit of a Cure campaign is underway — and this year marks a truly special milestone: 35 years since the first-ever fundraiser for FOP research, hosted by the family of Jud Bogard. Since 1990, families like the Bogards have helped raise millions for research — fueling major breakthroughs, including the first approved treatment for FOP.
Now, we look ahead. This year’s campaign is both a celebration of all we’ve accomplished and a call to action to keep pushing forward. New research is urgently needed to develop additional treatments and keep working toward a cure.
Our goal: Raise $500,000 for research and drug development.100% of donations will go directly to these efforts.
How can you participate?
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Donate today to support crucial FOP research.
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Start your own fundraiser and rally your community to be part of the progress.
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Get inspired by the community-created In Pursuit of a Cure playlist (and send us your additions!)
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Post on social media (from research milestones to FOP family stories, there are many ways to share how important #cureFOP is to you)
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And mark your calendar for Day of Giving on September 16 — with special conversations and stories from FOP community members you won’t want to miss.
Together, we can fuel the next breakthrough.
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