The annual fundraising walk to help Hydro Warriors like Clara Shanks will take place next week in Sandusky.

Although the Fourth Annual Hydrocephalus Warrior Walk on Saturday, Sept. 12 will have a different look this year, because of COVID-19, the purpose remains the same: raising money to find a cure for hydrocephalus.

The venue for the “Walk a Mile” event, which last year raised more than $25,000, is the Sandusky High School track. However, organizer Heather Shanks, of Carsonville, said the venue could change but she won’t know if that happens until next Sept. 7.

Heather is Clara’s mom. She’s also a director for Michigan Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation.

The money raised at the event will go to the foundation for education and research grants to find better treatment, and a cure, for hydrocephalus, a life-long condition that requires surgery to remove a build-up of fluid on the brain.

More than one million Americans, from newborns to seniors are affected by the condition.

Clara, who is four years old, was born with hydrocephalus.

“This event fuels our passion for a cure for hydrocephalus,” said Shanks, a teacher at Croswell-Lexington Schools.

“The support we, and the many Hydrocephalus Warriors that attend, receive is unparalleled. Each year we are reminded that…we are remembered, prayed and cared for. We look forward to spreading awareness and funds each year.”

Registration is from 9:15-9:45 a.m. and the official start time for the walk is 10 a.m.

However, this is an open house-style event, so can you come anytime until noon to take part.

“In order to mitigate the number of individuals walking (at any one time), we’re hoping people can come any time between 10 and noon to walk their mile with us,” said Shanks.

The original plans called for carnival games, face painting and a bake sale, but they’ve been eliminated due to COVID-19.

But there will be music provided by the Sandusky Arts Council, and a serve yourself concession stand stocked with food that is individually wrapped and donated by Gordon Food Services, Sysco, Marz, and Bob and Jamie’s Grill.

The cost for the walk is $25. Children ages 12 and under are admitted free. Raffle tickets can be purchased, and if participants leave prior to the drawings they can pick up their prize at Bob and Jamie’s Grill.

For updates on the event, including a possible change in venue, check the Michigan Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation Facebook page and click on events.

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