Hydrocephalus Regional Expansion Group Holds First Official Meeting in Largo as Group Leader Becomes an American Citizen

Largo, FL, May 15, 2007 --(PR.com)-- The Tampa Bay Affiliate of the Hydrocephalus Association held its first official meeting under its new name on Sunday, April 14th, 2007. Twenty-two family members and individuals with Hydrocephalus gathered at the home of group leader, Paula Keyser to celebrate the new affiliation with the Hydrocephalus Association. Paula and her husband, Mark started the local support group three years ago after their son, Jeremy, who is now five, was born with this condition due to a intraventricular hemorrhage prior to birth causing the build up of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF). Last May, they traveled to Baltimore, Maryland for the biennial Hydrocephalus Conference followed by an Advocacy Day in Washington DC.

It was shortly after the visit to Washington that Paula realized it was time to apply for Naturalization so that she could become an American Citizen and vote on issues important to her and her family. “It is such a humbling experience to accompany your family to our nation's Capitol and realize that most of the Representatives there have never even heard the word Hydrocephalus. We have so much work to do to get the word out about this condition and find a cure,” said Paula.

So they started the application process for Citizenship in June, and earlier this month, Paula went for her interview at the Department of Homeland Security where she was asked various questions including some about American history. "I started asking my friends and family and realized I knew a lot more about their country’s history than they do." Later this month, Paula will attend an Oath Ceremony at the Tampa Convention Center where she will be officially sworn in and pick up her Certificate of Naturalization. "The first thing I am going to do is register to vote so that I can talk to these legislators and educate them on Hydrocephalus and the issues that surround children and healthcare today."

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 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 tampabayfl@hydroassoc.org.

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