Human statue Ashley Kurpiel suffers from a rare condition that’s turning her muscles to bone.

The illness, called Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva, affects about 800 people worldwide.

The incurable disease has already cost Ashley her right arm.

Ashley is still smiling despite her shocking condition

But while the disease can leave sufferers completely immobilised, Ashley has vowed to live life to the fullest.

‘When I was about two and a half, doctors diagnosed me with cancer,’ says Ashley. ‘They went in to remove what they thought was a tumour – and told my parents that it spread and that my arm needed to be amputated.

‘Five months later, doctors called and said cancer was a misdiagnosis and that I had a rare disease that affects one in two million people.

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‘I am growing a second skeleton in a sense, becoming a human statue physically,’ she says.

‘Many others living with this lose all mobility, head to toe, and their jaws have locked shut.

‘At 25 I lost mobility in my right leg and had to learn to live life and how to move around. I don’t know how much longer I will have movement in my body, so I want to experience as much as I can now.’

Ashley has already lost her right arm

The condition arises from a mutation of the body’s repair mechanism which causes muscles, tendons and ligaments to convert to bone material when damaged.

Ashley, from Peachtree City, Georgia, first started experiencing the symptoms of the disease as a teenager.

‘I began to feel my body stiffen gradually – I had been told it was going to happen but once I started feeling the symptoms I wanted to experience everything life had to offer before it was too late.’

Her friends have helped her skateboard for the first time, she goes surfing annually and she travels the world.

Ashley has also completed a 5km course in a wheelchair, and has become an ambassador for amputees and families affected by FOP.

‘I’ve been blessed to meet so many truly amazing people, especially the Dalai Lama. I attend many events all year round for the IFOPA, and talk to other people who are suffering.

The Dalai Lama recognises Ashley’s courage

‘I spend a lot of time on social media answering messages that families send me regarding FOP and I try to help as many people cope with the disease as possible.

‘I look for the positive side of things – I’ve had my hardships and never know what the next day will bring, but I take each day as it comes.’