Tin Soldiers

20/02/2026

Behind every diagnosis is a team that makes it possible.
Here at Tin Soldiers, our work is strengthened by the insight and dedication of our Medical Director, Dr Chris Scott, and the many extraordinary clinicians who so generously give their time, expertise, and compassion to support our mission.

As Chris so powerfully reflects:
“One of the most profound realizations in my early career in paediatrics was the power of a diagnosis. It doesn’t just unlock management - it empowers carers and patients,
easing uncertainty and relieving the immense anxiety that comes with the unknown.”

This belief sits at the very heart of everything we do.

Thank you to the clinicians who stand with us, helping turn uncertainty into understanding, and fear into hope.

18/02/2026

As we head towards Rare Disease Day this month, we’re revisiting some of our success stories—stories that wouldn’t exist without the ongoing work to diagnose rare musculoskeletal conditions early, and the life-changing impact that diagnosis brings.

Nathan was one of our very first diagnoses. After hearing about his case, Tin Soldiers quickly reached out to his family and linked them with one of the many clinicians in our network. Nathan was diagnosed with Progressive Osseous Heteroplasia (POH). This is what his parents Desiree Bakkers-Nel and Leonard Bakkers-Nel had to say about their journey with us.

“From 4 years of not knowing to 4 days, it just happened. We had our diagnosis. To speak to the person who actually knows, that was absolutely amazing … I remember
standing in the kitchen and crying for a good 10 minutes.”

Stories like Nathan’s remind us why early diagnosis matters—and why continuing to educate and connect clinicians can change lives in just days, not years.

📸 Desiree, Leonard, Jayden and Nathan

10/01/2026

Many have asked why we’re launching this search initiative. My answer is simple: because it’s our moral duty.

FOP (fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva) is ultra-rare — only ~900 patients have been identified worldwide, though over 8,000 are estimated to be living with it. Yet 90% are misdiagnosed.

The hallmark sign? In 98% of cases, the big toe is malformed and missing the middle joint — a clue visible at birth. But most healthcare professionals have never been trained to spot it.

Too often, FOP is mistaken for cancer. Biopsies are performed — and that trauma accelerates the disease. Bone begins to form in muscles, tendons, and ligaments, severely restricting movement. A skeleton, growing over a skeleton.

If we find these patients early, we can prevent harm, end unnecessary suffering, and change lives.

I’m proud that LeadPath is the first organization in the region to bring FOP forward.

We will continue navigating the path less taken — for every FOP patient and every family.

18/12/2025

02/12/2025

As we close out our challenge, we're delighted to shine a spotlight on a truly heartwarming act of kindness 💛💛

Phoebe Walters the brilliant mind behind this challenge, went the extra mile by purchasing colouring books and crayons, hand-crafting 21 beautiful cards and delivering them personally to the Red Cross Children's Hospital. The smiles she sparked were priceless. Way to go Phoebe! 🙌

A huge thank you to every single person who stepped up, showed up and made this challenge such a meaningful success.

And on this Giving Tuesday, if you'd still like to contribute, you can do so here www.tinsoldiers.org/paypal
Your gift will be matched by our generous sponsor, doubling your impact!

Let's keep spreading hope, joy and strength one step, one act of kindness, and one generous heart at a time 💛💛

27/11/2025

We are truly excited about this partnership to find and diagnose people living with FOP in the Middle East.

Initiative launched at a major Orthopaedic Meeting in Dubai aims to find undiagnosed FOP patients and connect them to a path of care.

25/11/2025

💛 Well done — and thank you 💛

Because of you, we’ve raised awareness for rare bone conditions and helped shine a light on children who are so often overlooked.

Your support means we can continue educating healthcare practitioners, improving early diagnosis, and ensuring more children get the care they need.

Together, we’re making a real difference. 💛

25/11/2025

We ended the Stepup4bones challenge with a private screening of The Whisper, a documentary that follows the lives of Lakshmi and Riya, two remarkable women living with Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP)—one of the world’s rarest and most disabling genetic conditions.

The screening was held at a small, intimate cinema in Johannesburg, South Africa to draw attention to FOP and other rare musculoskeletal conditions; it was also a critical fundraising event. Every rand raised will be matched by a generous sponsor, doubling the impact and helping to ensure that vital awareness, education, and diagnostic efforts continue to grow.

Photo credit: Daniella De Gouveia

21/11/2025

This is it – one last chance to do your ‘21’! 💛

What will your ‘21’ be? Step it up, show your support, and help us make a difference!

Here are some ideas to inspire you:
• 21 minutes of walking or running 👟
• 21 squats or lunges 💪
• 21 acts of kindness ✨
• 21 photos of things that make you smile 📸
• 21 donations of small items for a local cause 🎁

Whatever you choose, every ‘21’ counts toward raising awareness and supporting children with rare bone conditions. Let’s finish strong! 🚀

If you prefer you can make a donation here >> www.tinsoldiers.org/paypal

19/11/2025

⏳ Help us with one final push!

The challenge has already sparked incredible kindness and awareness.

Now we need your help to reach even more people and raise the final funds needed to educate healthcare practitioners.

Your support today could be the step that changes a child’s future. 💛

18/11/2025

⏰ 3 days left!

Let’s make every moment—and every “21”—truly meaningful. 💛

If you don't want to take the challenge, please consider making a donation www.tinsoldiers.org/paypal every dollar makes a difference, as it will be matched.