Families Gather in Largo for 5th Anniversary Celebration of Local Support Group for Hydrocephalus

Largo, FL, April 21, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Several families gathered today in Largo Central Park for a picnic to celebrate five years and continue to build a local support group for families dealing with Hydrocephalus.

Five years ago, Paula and her husband, Mark held their very first picnic at their home in hopes of finding other families with the same situation as theirs. Their son, Jeremy, who will turn eight years old in July, was born with this condition due to an intraventricular hemorrhage prior to birth. ‘We are so thankful that we have found other people who are dealing with Hydrocephalus and its treatment. It’s nice to feel like we are not alone’. Also at the picnic, were several seniors who are dealing with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) which commonly gets misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s. The support group assists individuals of all ages.

Next Saturday, Paula will fly to Chicago to again share her inspiration and success as they continue to grow the Regional Expansion Groups of the Hydrocephalus Association. In 2007, the Tampa Bay Affiliate was the first group of its kind to become an Affiliate. There are now five Affiliates located across the country in Florida, Ohio, Arizona, Missouri and Massachusetts.

In addition, over the past four years, this local support group has raised $50,000 for the Hydrocephalus Association by holding a Walk event in Largo Central Park. The proceeds go to assist the Association based in San Francisco, a non-profit organization that supports, educates and advocates for people with this condition. This year, the Walk will be held on Saturday, November 7th, 2009.

Hydrocephalus, more commonly known as ‘water on the brain’ is an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within cavities called ventricles inside the brain. CSF is produced in the ventricles, circulates through the ventricular system, and is absorbed into the bloodstream. CSF is in constant circulation and has many important functions. It surrounds the brain and spinal cord and acts as a protective cushion against injury. CSF contains nutrients and proteins necessary for the nourishment and Normal function of the brain. Hydrocephalus occurs when there is an imbalance between the amount of CSF that is produced and the rate at which it is absorbed. As the CSF builds up, it causes the ventricles to enlarge and the pressure inside the head to increase. Hydrocephalus that is congenital (present at birth) is thought to be caused by a complex interaction of environmental and perhaps genetic factors. Aqueductal Stenosis and Spina Bifida are two examples Acquired Hydrocephalus may result from intraventricular hemorrhage, meningitis, head trauma, tumors and cysts. Hydrocephalus is believed to occur in about 1 to 2 out of every 1,000 births. The incidences of adult-onset hydrocephalus and acquired hydrocephalus are not known. There is no known way to prevent or cure hydrocephalus. The most effective treatment is surgical insertion of a shunt.

If you would like more information, or would like to do a story about Hydrocephalus or this support group, please contact Paula Keyser at (727) 415-7339 or email her at hydrosupport@gmail.com. Paula is also an active volunteer with the Seminole/Largo Guild for All Children’s Hospital and the All Children’s Hospital Development Council in St. Petersburg.

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