Let's have a little charitable fun with this whole marathon thing, shall we?

One of the two charities I will be supporting as I train for and run my first marathon is the Hydrocephalus Association. Hydrocephalus is a rare medical condition characterized by a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the cavities deep within the brain. This fluid contains nutrients and proteins necessary for the nourishment and normal function of the brain, and hydrocephalus occurs when there is an imbalance between the amount of fluid that is produced and the rate at which it is absorbed. As the amount of fluid increases, the ventricles swell and the pressure inside the head increases, leading to abnormal head enlargement. There are approximately 20,000 to 200,000 cases of hydrocephalus in the US per year, and, back in 1994, I was one of them. This is a condition, not a disease, and is medically treatable via brain surgery. A common treatment involves the implantation of a shunt system, which is a flexible tube placed in the ventricular system of the brain that diverts the flow of the cerebrospinal fluid into another region of the body. I had this procedure done when I was very young and was able to successfully recover from hydrocephalus following three years of therapy.

Because I had brain surgery so young, I experienced some developmental delay as my brain recovered from hydrocephalus. By the time my brother was born in 1996, I was still unable to walk. After undergoing pediatric therapy sessions several days a week for three years, I was able to recover from my surgery. Since then, I have had no complications with my shunt system and have been blessed with great health.

Although treatable, there is no existing cure for hydrocephalus. The Hydrocephalus Association strives to fund research that improves the quality of life for people living with this condition. As a scientist who studies the brain and a runner, I am very passionate about this organization and have decided to fundraise for the Hydrocephalus Association as I prepare for my first marathon in 2020. Any form of support, in the form of a donation or just doing a bit of research on hydrocephalus, is greatly appreciated and will certainly help push me through the 26.2!

Learn more about the Hydrocephalus Association here:

https://www.hydroassoc.org/about-us/who-we-are/

The Hydrocephalus Association is a 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit. Contributions are tax-deductible.