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In This Issue
Her First WALK
WALK Tip of the Month
The Span of Translational Research
Hydrocephalus Research Extends its Reach
HA Makes its Voice Heard at the FDA
Upcoming HA Events 
Donor and Fundraising Updates
DetroitWALK 
Her First WALK
 
Hydrocephalus Association CEO 
Laurene McKillop, PhD attended her first HA WALK. She shares her excitement and pride with the efforts of our dynamic community.
 
The Night Before WALK
 
Randi Corey pays a fitting and poetic tribute to our WALK Chairs.
 
WALK Tip of the Month

 

HA's Director of Special Events Randi Corey gives tips on how to organize a WALK Event.
 
This Month:
Letter Writing Campaigns
 
October 2010
Welcome to a new edition of Pathways, the Hydrocephalus Association's monthly e-newsletter.
 
As many of you know, September was National Hydrocephalus Awareness Month. Creating awareness is an important part of our mission and that of our community. Read on to find out some of the exciting ways our community is raising awareness and making its voice heard.
 
October is here and the WALK season is in full swing. We cannot express enough how proud we are of our WALK Chairs, or how exciting it is to be involved in such a vibrant movement to positively affect the quality of people's lives. 
 
In this issue we discuss: translational research, HA's voice reaching the FDA, how our strategic partners are making a difference, new goals and horizons for our Support Network and, of course, the WALK season.
 
With kind regards,
 
The team at the Hydrocephalus Association
Hydrocephalus in the News
 
Joseph Madsen, MD, Associate Professor of Neurosurgery at Children's Hospital of Boston and Harvard Medical School, as well as a member of our Medical Advisory Board, eloquently discusses the critical need for translational research in the ongoing struggle to identify a cure for hydrocephalus. 
 
At the 11th National Conference on Hydrocephalus Dr. Madsen held forth on translational research as the bridging of that crucial gap between basic science discovery and clinical breakthrough. Here, he continues that discussion. 
HA Support Networks are Reaching Out 
Jenn Bechard
 
The Hydrocephalus Association welcomes Jennifer Bechard as the new Support Group Liaison. Jennifer will be adding her drive and energy to our national network of support groups. She discusses her personal trials and triumphs over hydrocephalus as well as her goals for our Support Group Network.
Concert to Benefit Hydrocephalus 
PYarrow
 
Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary fame will be holding a concert to benefit hydrocephalus research.  Read about this exciting event to raise awareness and funds.
 
GLifeOur partner site, Gabriel's Life has launched a bold new initiative to raise national awareness of hydrocephalus using the medium of television. On September 23, ABC aired the season premier of their hospital drama Grey's Anatomy. At the same time, Gabriel's Life launched a campaign to get one of their trademark stickers displayed prominently on the show.
 
In honor of National Hydrocephalus Month, Sharon Raghvachary shared her family's hydrocephalus story in the Glendale News-Press. I'm Just Sayin': At first glance, many wouldn't know his troubles is an eloquent example of reaching out to inform the public about hydrocephalus and her son's story.
On the Research Front
Hydrocephalus Research Extends its Reach
 
ResearchThe Hydrocephalus Clinical Research Network (HCRN) was created as a resource for centers across the country doing research on hydrocephalus. By sharing data they mutually stimulate ideas as well as cut down on duplicated efforts. This can and will have a profound effect on the landscape of hydrocephalus research. The HCRN has recently added two new research centers to their network, bringing their total up to seven and spanning all four time zones of the Continental United States.
Advocacy at a Glance
The HA Makes its Voice Heard at the FDA  
 
LMcKillopOn September 13th, Hydrocephalus Association CEO Dr. Laurene McKillop was given the opportunity to provide input at an open hearing sponsored by the FDA. The hearing was about an FDA project to assess the effectiveness of devices currently used in treating neurological conditions in young people. It was a great opportunity to have our voice heard and ensure input into the project as it moves forward.