The Hydrocephalus Association’s 2015 Hydrocephalus Walk takes place in Houston on the morning of October 17, 2015, and is meant to raise awareness about and fund innovative research to prevent, treat and cure hydrocephalus. The Mischer Neuroscience Institute at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center and Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital are sponsors for the event.
More than one million people in the nation live with hydrocephalus, a medical condition caused by an abnormal amount of fluid accumulated in the brain. When there is too much fluid, it will pool in the brain and cause increased pressure, which leads to age-dependent symptoms.
“It is wonderful to see so many individuals and families whose lives are touched by hydrocephalus coming together to support each other,” said Jamie Wright, a fifth-year MD/PhD student at UTHealth Medical School living with hydrocephalus. “Our walk, along with other hydrocephalus walks across the country, is helping fund crucial hydrocephalus research along with advocacy and support for those affected. For me, this walk means hope. Hope that one day myself and others affected by this condition will not have to worry about when we’ll need our next brain surgery.”
Wright started a hydrocephalus support group at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital and has volunteered with the Hydrocephalus Association Walk since Houston’s first event in 2012.
“This past March, I had my fifth hydrocephalus-related brain surgery,” Wright said. “This surgery came with the realization that the next one is most likely not a matter of 'if,' but 'when'. Hopefully one day, with some help, this can change.”
Wright recently had the opportunity to accompany a pediatric neurosurgery team from Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital and MNI to Port au Prince, Haiti to bring pediatric neurosurgical care to children living with hydrocephalus. During the five-day trip, the team performed 25 surgeries.