The Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation Inc. (PHF) formally announced Indiana as the newest official PHF state chapter, bringing to 14 the number of chapters nationwide.
“We are thrilled to welcome Indiana to the PHF family,” said Michael Illions, vice president and national director of advocacy for PHF. “With every new chapter, we move one step closer to our goal of funding and finding a cure for hydrocephalus.”
Indiana State Director Julie Hayes, a resident of Crawfordsville, echoed this goal, explaining her motivation for taking leadership of the new chapter: “I became involved with PHF because I live with hydrocephalus each day of my life. I know how it feels to be scared, to feel alone as if no one understands. I can be the voice for all the children living with this condition that may otherwise go left unheard. The goal is to educate everyone and with the PHF family I hope to raise awareness, spread hope and open up the hearts so that hydrocephalus is known to all, not just to those who suffer, from this condition.”
Occurring in approximately 1 of every 500 births, hydrocephalus is a condition in which excessive fluid gathers in the brain, abnormally widening spaces in the brain and placing potentially harmful pressure on brain tissues. Because of lack of advancements in treatment, many affected individuals are left unable to lead full and productive lives. Untreated, hydrocephalus could be fatal.
This past week Indiana Congressman André Carson joined the Congressional Pediatric & Adult Hydrocephalus Caucus. The Hydrocephalus Caucus was started in January at the request of the Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation, and is co-chaired by Congressman Leonard Lance of New Jersey, and Congressman Tim Walz of Minnesota.
Indiana joins chapters in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia, as well as PHF’s founding chapter in New Jersey.
