Chicago WALKs for the Hydrocephalus Association
Chicago, IL (PRWEB) July 20, 2013 -- More than 500 walkers representing local families, schools, corporations and organizations are expected to mobilize for the Hydrocephalus Association’s Chicago WALK. The event will take place August 18, 2013 at 10:00 am at Soldier Field’s Great Lawn. Money raised will support the HA’s national goal to raise more than $750,000 for critical hydrocephalus research and education.
“There’s no cure for hydrocephalus and the current treatment was developed in the 1950s. We need to raise money for research to find a cure and improve treatment options,” says Katie Cook, chairperson for the local WALK. “Anyone can develop hydrocephalus at any age and it’s more prevalent than most people think. It’s time to find a cure.”
Myles Chamberlain, who is almost 2 years old, will attend the WALK with his family. Unbeknownst to his parents, Lisa and Erik, Myles was born with hydrocephalus. He showed symptoms of the neurological condition in the first few months of his life, yet it took 4 doctors and 15 months of testing to accurately diagnose him. In the five months since his diagnosis, he has had three brain surgeries and spent 28 days in the hospital. During that time, families involved with the Hydrocephalus Association offered a much needed support system for the Chamberlain family.
"Our son is outgoing, funny, energetic, smart, and loves to make people smile everywhere he goes. The random people Myles loves to make smile have no way of knowing that he is a super hero that just happened to have been born with hydrocephalus," shares Lisa Chamberlain. "Myles now has a shunt that drains fluid from his brain."
It is anticipated that he will need additional surgeries every few years, should the shunt fail. Myles' brother and two sisters often ask why. Despite the high risk of continued brain surgery, the Chamberlain’s have accepted that the shunt is the most prevalent treatment option currently available.
"I cannot answer why Myles will most likely have to have surgery again. But I can ask that we come together and help raise funds to increase hydrocephalus awareness and find a cure for all of the hydrocephalus super heroes like Myles, so that they don’t have to continue to have brain surgery to treat this condition," said Erik Chamberlain.
Katie Cook said, "We are very excited about our event. The WALK Logistics and Organizing Committee, which is responsible for the event's planning and execution, is currently seeking additional volunteers and anyone interested in assisting is invited to contact me at chicagohawalk(at)gmail(dot)com."
A Kickoff event has been scheduled for all prospective team captains on Sunday, July 14, 2013 at 1:00 pm. To RSVP for the Kickoff, or for more information on the Chicago WALK for hydrocephalus, call (815) 893-4037. New Family Teams (teams with a family member with hydrocephalus) may order a free Family Teams Kit from the Hydrocephalus Association (call 888-598-3789 or e-mail info(at)hydroassoc(dot)org). Pre-registration is available at http://www.hydroassoc.org.
Last year the Hydrocephalus Association WALKs raised more than $1,100,000 from 25 sites. This year fundraising is expected to top $1,200,000. All Hydrocephalus Association WALKs are coordinated and run solely by volunteers with all of the proceeds used to eliminate the challenges of hydrocephalus by funding critical research and education and support programs.
About the Hydrocephalus Association
Founded in 1983 by the parents of children with hydrocephalus, the Hydrocephalus Association is the nation’s largest and most widely respected organization dedicated to hydrocephalus. More than 60 percent of HA's funding comes from individual donations and events, and approximately 35 percent comes from foundation and corporate grants. The Hydrocephalus Association's mission is to eliminate the challenges of hydrocephalus. For more information, visit the Hydrocephalus Association Web site at http://www.hydroassoc.org or call (888) 598-3789.
Amanda Garzon, Hydrocephalus Association, http://www.hydroassoc.org, (301) 202-3811 26, [email protected]
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