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.”