Rachel aged 25 from Rochdale.
My FOP Story.
I was born a healthy baby except I looked like I had bunions on my feet.
At 19 months old a lump appeared on the back of my neck, I was sent to Manchester children’s hospital were a biopsy was taken and I was diagnosed as having Aggressive Fibromatosis.
I underwent 10 months of chemotherapy, in which time the lump on my neck grew all down one side of my back. But by the end of the 10 months on chemotherapy the lumps seemed to have disappeared.
From 2 and a half years old until 9 years I was free of lumps and led a “normal childhood”.
At 9 years old I banged my back on a swing and the lumps came up again all down my back.
I had another 3 months chemotherapy and 4 months radiotherapy.
When I was 12 years old I was diagnosed with having FOP, I was on a routine check up at the hospital and my consultant asked to see my toes, thats when they knew my bunions were the fop short toe!
I have restricted movement in my arms, neck and legs.
I moved out of my parents home in April 2008 and my fiance Paul is now my carer.
Nothing stops me going out and living life to the Max.
I have made lots of friends who also suffer with FOP and hopefully one day there will be a cure for all of us.
I think this web site is brilliant Rachel is my sister. I am going to think of some fundraising ideas to do at work.
Well done mum alot of ur hard work has paid off xxx
Nicci Hopwood 16th July 2009 @ 20:49
What a great website. I live local to Rachel and our families attended the same school. Our local newspaper has reported about Rachel’s condition and fundraising events for a number of years and it is lovely to see her looking so well. Rachel Hopwood is a beautiful person both inside and out xx
Jody Margerison-Buckley 26th July 2009 @ 14:48
Hi Rachel,
Congratulations on the new website, it looks good.
I’ve just had a magazine on the phone asking me to get in touch with you to see if you’d consider doing an interview.
Could you call me on 07780 336812 when you have a sec?
Best wishes
Kevin
kevin donald 27th July 2009 @ 11:30
rachel is my step dads cousin + she is an exceptionally strong person. she is lovely and so positive in many ways. warren (her cousin) is completing a bike ride from old trafford to blackpool on sunday 10th july to raise money for fop so we can help find a cure together. be proud of yourself rachel <3 and congratulations for the wedding xxx
Becka 6th July 2011 @ 19:26
following your progress to carry the ‘Torch’ Rachel through Trisha and John O’Hara …… here’s hoping x
denise woodman 24th August 2011 @ 14:45