5-Month-Old Baby Girl 'Turning To Stone' Due To Rare Medical Condition In UK

Reports have emerged of a 5-month-old newborn baby girl from the United Kingdom gradually "turning to a stone" due to an extremely rare medical condition that affects just one in two million people globally.

The infant, Lexi Robins, was born on Jan. 31 to parents Alex and Dave Robins and has been diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP) that turns muscles into bones, India Today reported.

Lexi reportedly seemed healthy and physically strong at birth, seen always kicking her legs. However, the newborn's parents soon noticed that she didn't have much movement in her thumbs and that she had unusually big toes. When Lexi was first diagnosed, her parents were first reportedly told that she had a medical condition and that she wouldn't be able to walk for the rest of her life.

Lexi underwent numerous further tests and the results were eventually sent to America for confirmation from physician experts in the field of medicine. On June 14, the United States' leading medical professionals confirmed that Lexi had FOP. The baby's x-rays scanned in April revealed that she had bunions on her feet and double-jointed thumbs, according to DNA India.

Patients diagnosed with FOP have no proven treatment currently available and can be bedridden by the age of 20. The life expectancy of FOP patients is a maximum of 40 years.

Lexi's physical condition may deteriorate drastically if she suffers even a small injury or any minor trauma, as simple as falling over. Due to the complications that may arise with FOP, Lexi cannot receive injections, vaccinations, and dental care.

"The gene that they look for is the ACR1 gene, and that, unfortunately, is the gene that she has," Alex said.

"We're under the specialist of a top pediatrician in the UK and he said in his 30-year career he's never seen a case like this, that's how rare it is," Dave added.

The parents reportedly conducted a small research on their own and found that there is a 50 percent chance that Lexi could become deaf if an extra bone develops through her body.

Pioneering scientists are reportedly working, funded by numerous charities, to find a cure for the disorder.

Alex and Dave have also started a fundraiser for research to find a cure for the disease. The couple has launched an awareness campaign to alert and educate other parents around the world whose children might have similar conditions, the Sun reported.

Alex has taken to social media to help raise money for the life-saving treatment of Lexi and others like her. The campaign has reportedly raised US$52,639 (£38,235) so far and aims to reach a target of US$137,674 (£100,000).