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Hydrocephalus group celebrates anniversary
| Article published on Wednesday, April 29, 2009 |
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| Several families gather in Largo Central Park on April 19 to celebrate the annivesary of the Hydrocephalus support group. |
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LARGO – Several families gathered April 19 in Largo Central Park for a picnic to celebrate five years of building a local support group for families dealing with Hydrocephalus.
Five years ago, Paula Keyser and her husband, Mark held their first picnic at their home in hopes of finding other families with the same situation as theirs. Their son, Jeremy, who will turn 8 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,” said Paula Keyser, in a press release.
Also at the picnic, were several seniors who are dealing with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, which commonly gets misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s. The support group assists individuals of all ages.
The 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 nonprofit organization that supports, educates and advocates for people with this condition. This year, the walk will be held on Saturday, Nov. 7.
Hydrocephalus, more commonly known as “water on the brain” is an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within cavities called ventricles inside the brain.
The fluid is produced in the ventricles, circulates through the ventricular system, and is absorbed into the bloodstream. The fluid is in constant circulation and has many important functions. It surrounds the brain and spinal cord and acts as a protective cushion against injury.
Hydrocephalus occurs when there is an imbalance between the amount of cerebrospinal fluid that is produced and the rate at which it is absorbed. As the fluid builds up, it causes the ventricles to enlarge and the pressure inside the head to increase. Hydrocephalus that is present at birth is thought to be caused by a complex interaction of environmental and perhaps genetic factors.
For more information about Hydrocephalus or this support group, please contact Paula Keyser at 415-7339 or e-mail her at hydrosupport@gmail.com.
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Article published on Wednesday, April 29, 2009
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