Hydrocephalus Blog & Resources
Update on Health Care Research Funding: Hydrocephalus Association in Action
In the monthly CEO Blog, Dawn Mancuso discusses the many ways HA advocates for members of our community.
Looking Back…Moving Forward: It’s About Relationships
HA Board Member and former VP of Sales for Medtronic, Ralph Kistler, reflects back on his 20+ year relationship with the Hydrocephalus Association.
President Announces Funding for BRAIN Initiative
President Obama announced that he is proposing $100 million in federal research dollars toward a brain mapping initiative that will ultimately open the door to better treatment options for many brain conditions, including traumatic brain injuries, Alzheimer’s disease, and stroke.
Mary Smellie-Decker Award Recipient Announced
The Hydrocephalus Association (HA) with the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses (AANN) are pleased to announce this year’s Mary Smellie-Decker award recipient.
Looking Back…Moving Forward: Diagnosed with Hydrocephalus at 44
Our history as an association is a reflection of the richness and diversity of the engaged and committed members of our community. As we continue our interview series commemorating our 30th anniversary, we take a moment to hear reflections from individuals around the country who have interacted with the Hydrocephalus Association (HA) and supported HA throughout the years. This week we chat with Angela Lacey. who was 44 years old when she was diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH).
What is SPML Anyway (and try saying it 3X quickly)?
Lori Poliski shares her family’s experience with SPML, a surgical treatment for children and adults primarily with Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy (SDCP).
Looking Back…Moving Forward: Fresno Says YES to Our Hydrocephalus WALK
As part of our interview series commemorating our 30th anniversary, this week Randi Corey, our National Director of Special Events and Volunteer Support, sits down with Cheryl Merrell, our Hydrocephalus Association WALK Chair in Fresno, California, to talk about volunteering for HA, starting and chairing a HA WALK, and other thoughts about the organization.
Research UPDATE: Investigating Alternative Treatment Options for Hydrocephalus
The Hydrocephalus Association (HA) Research Department update focuses on the research of Dr. Sonia Podvin who aims to develop safe, specific drugs to treat hydrocephalus. She is the recipient of a Mentored Young Investigator (MYI) award from HA.
Looking Back…Moving Forward: Growing Up with HA
Our Teens Take Charge (TTC) program provides support, training, awareness and fundraising opportunities so that teens can be an effective force in making their stories heard. As part of our interview series in commemoration of our 30th anniversary, our intern, Jessica Ford, sits down with Haylea Lynn Blank, to talk about growing up with hydrocephalus and her thoughts on the Hydrocephalus Association.
Research UPDATE: Genetic Mutation Found as a Cause of Neonatal Hydrocephalus
A recent study has shown that a specific type of neonatal hydrocephalus can be caused by defects in cellular signaling pathways. The study, out of the University of Iowa, is being led by Val C. Sheffield, MD, Ph.D, and his research team using a mouse model of Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS). BBS is a rare disorder that can cause hydrocephalus, among other conditions.
Looking Back…Moving Forward: Prescribing Success
The Hydrocephalus Association’s Medical Advisory Board is comprised of nineteen esteemed medical professionals that work closely with our staff to support the educational needs of our members as well as help guide our research vision. As part of our interview series in commemoration of our 30th anniversary, Ashly Westrick, Research Manager, sits down with Dr. Michael Williams, Medical Advisory Board member and co-chair of our recent national conference, “Getting to the Heart of Hydrocephalus”.
SAT and ACT Survival Tips
As many young adults in our Teens Take Charge (TTC) program prepare to take their ACTs and SATs, we wanted to take a moment to put your minds at ease with some helpful suggestions, tips and insight from one of your fellow peers, Madeleine Darowiche.