PRESS RELEASE

House Passes Resolution Declaring September National Hydrocephalus Awareness Month

For Immediate Release
Contact: Kimberly Illions
(732) 634-1283
http://www.HydrocephalusKids.org
kim@hydrocephaluskids.org

September is now National Hydrocephalus Awareness Month!!

Woodbridge, NJ – When the Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation, Inc. was formed in January of
this year, there was two clearly defined goals; 1) Through raising money and awareness, help
“Fund a Cure” for Hydrocephalus and 2) Lobby Congress to pass a Resolution designating the
month of September “National Hydrocephalus Awareness Month.”

In just 6 months, one goal has already been accomplished. Yesterday, the House of
Representatives voted, and passed the Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation authored H. Res. 373; designating the month of September as “National Hydrocephalus Awareness Month.”

The passage of this National Resolution answers the dreams of countless thousands of those who suffer from Hydrocephalus and their families. With news of the Resolution passing, members of the Hydrocephalus community from around the Country were filled with joy and excitement.

Michael Illions, the National Director of Advocacy for the PHF, Inc. and father to 4 year old Cole, said “The PHF, Inc. was honored to lead this effort, and with the help of the PHF community, we were able to see this dream become a reality in only 3 months, and now September will forever be known as ‘National Hydrocephalus Awareness Month.’”

“We will treasure this day forever! My 4 year old daughter, Carly Jade, and all other families living with the condition, deserve a month dedicated solely to Hydrocephalus. Carly is perfect, a beautiful typical adorable little girl, with some delays. The image doctors left in my mind still haunt me today. If I would’ve known then what I know now, we would’ve been spared a great deal of pain. But now, this Resolution will inform others that Hydrocephalus is okay, your child will be perfect just as they should be,” said PHF State Director from Missouri Shannon Sommers.

Missouri’s Sara Gilliam, mother to 18 month old Owen, said “Having a month dedicated to raising awareness for Hydrocephalus means so much to our family. Hopefully this will put an even bigger spotlight on our need for a cure.”

“My son openly speaks of his Hydrocephalus with family and classmates, educating them on his condition and needs. He was proud to go to the State House to request September as Hydrocephalus Awareness month last year. To have this become National not only raises awareness for this illness but also raise self-esteem of our children that suffer this affliction. They will know their voices are heard and people know them,” said Kirsti Heatter, a New Jersey mother to 9 year old Maxwell.

Dawn Ramirez of New York, said “As a nurse and a mother, I am so grateful that September has become Hydrocephalus month. Raising awareness and encouraging research is so important to help find a cure for my daughter Natalie, and other children and adults around the world.”

PRESS RELEASE

Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation, Inc. Introduces Two State Chapters

For Immediate Release
Contact: Kimberly Illions
(732) 634-1283
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
http://www.HydrocephalusKids.org kim@hydrocephaluskids.org

Parents From Missouri & California Join the PHF, Inc. In Battle to ‘Fund a Cure’ for Hydrocephalus

Woodbridge, NJ – The Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation, Inc. is pleased to announce and introduce their first two State Chapters to the PFH, Inc. family; Missouri & California.

California State Director Bridget Roberts wants to give back and help fund a cure for Hydrocephalus, “My son Aiden developed Hydrocephalus within his first few weeks of life. His first shunt was placed at 5 weeks old. Sitting in the ICU at Children’s Hospital Oakland several weeks ago made me look around at all of these children suffering from the same thing Aiden was at that very moment and I realized that these little children big and small are my heroes.”

The new Missouri State Director, Shannon Sommers & her husband Jason, share a similar story; “Our daughter Carly Jade is a thriving, adorable 4-year old! Doctors diagnosed her with Hydrocephalus when I was just 18 weeks pregnant. In a matter of minutes, our lives changed. My husband and I were unfamiliar with the condition. We had many questions, but Doctors had few answers. I needed someone, something to reach out to, but the resources weren’t there, until now, thanks to the Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation!”

“We are so thankful to be a part of this incredible organization. Our goal here in Missouri is to educate families and doctors that having Hydrocephalus is okay. I want everyone to see Carly’s beautiful face and know everything will be okay. And with the help of the community we will fight with all our might to fund a cure!”

Kim Illions, the President of the Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation, Inc. and mother of a 4 year old boy with Hydrocephalus, added that “Our vision at the PHF has always been to “fund a cure for hydrocephalus” and to spread that funding across the country. We are so proud and excited to welcome our two newest chapters, Missouri and California, and we look forward to raising money, awareness and advocacy for Pediatric Hydrocephalus with these two great states!”

The mission of the Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation is to educate the community by raising the level of awareness about this incurable brain condition. The PHF will also provide support to the families, friends and children who are diagnosed with Hydrocephalus.

The PHF will raise money for and work with the medical community in searching for a cure and additional treatment options for those with Hydrocephalus.

This year we are pleased to announce that our Honorary Chairman will be Bill Evans from ABC Channel 7 Eyewitness News!

Join us for a 2 mile WALK around the beautiful lake located at Roosevelt Park to raise money and awareness to help “fund a cure” for Hydrocephalus.

All proceeds to benefit the Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation, Inc.

Music by DJ Lou
Face Painting and Balloons by Izzy’s Entertainment and…….
Special Appearance by the IronMen Dancers!!

For further information visit us at www.hydrocephaluskids.org
To Donate or Register:
www.active.com/donate/phfwalk2009