Harry Raymond Eastlack

Harry Raymond Eastlack (1933–1973) was an individual known for his rare condition, fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), a disorder that causes fibrous tissue to ossify and become bone. Eastlack's case has been instrumental in the study of FOP, providing valuable insights into the disease's progression and potential treatments.

Early Life

Harry Raymond Eastlack was born on November 17, 1933. Little is known about his early life before his diagnosis with FOP. The condition typically begins in childhood, with symptoms such as painful swellings that eventually harden into bone.

Condition and Diagnosis

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva is a rare and disabling genetic condition characterized by the abnormal development of bone in areas of the body where bone is not usually present, such as the muscles, tendons, and other connective tissues. The condition is caused by a mutation in the ACVR1 gene, which affects the body's repair mechanism, causing fibrous tissue to be ossified.

Eastlack began to show symptoms of FOP in his early childhood, but the rarity and complexity of the disease made it difficult to diagnose at the time. His condition progressively worsened, leading to significant physical limitations.

Contribution to Science

Despite the challenges posed by his condition, Eastlack made a significant contribution to medical science. Before his death, he expressed his wish to donate his body to research, hoping that it would help in finding a cure for FOP. Following his death on November 11, 1973, just days before his 40th birthday, his skeleton was preserved and is now housed at the Mütter Museum in Philadelphia. It remains one of the few complete skeletons of an individual with FOP and serves as a crucial resource for researchers studying the disease.

Legacy

Harry Raymond Eastlack's legacy lives on through the ongoing research into FOP. His contribution has not only advanced the understanding of this rare condition but also highlighted the importance of patient contributions to medical research. The Harry Eastlack case has become a cornerstone in the study of FOP, providing invaluable insights that continue to inform the development of potential treatments and therapies.

See Also

• Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva
• Mütter Museum
• Genetic disorders
• Rare diseases

NIH genetic and rare disease info

• NIH info on Harry Raymond Eastlack

Harry Raymond Eastlack is a rare disease.