One of the many ways PHF raised awareness about Hydrocephalus in 2012 was through outreach. Speaking to people whenever the opportunity presented itself, whether informally or formally, helps the cause.

Last year, the PHF was able to reach out to a whole new community in New Jersey by speaking to numerous Freemason organizations across the State of New Jersey.

One of the members of the Freemason Society happens to be a Dad to a teenager with Hydrocephalus. Freddy Stein also serves as the Event Coordinator for the PHF in New Jersey.

Thanks to that connection, we were able to educate hundreds of people about Hydrocephalus and we were fortunate enough to be the recipient of many generous donations.

As we celebrate the beginning of a New Year, we also celebrate the Birthday of the Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation.

Four years ago on January 9th, our dream became a reality. The Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation, Inc. was officially “open for business.”

Thanks to your generous and continued support the PHF celebrated many successes and accomplishments in the year 2012.

We started off 2012 by launching a new initiative called PHF “Families First for Hydrocephalus.” This program introduced the PHF into hospitals around the Country and to families dealing with Hydrocephalus.

The PHF returned to Our Nation’s Capital in August for the 2nd Annual PHF Hydrocephalus Awareness Day on Capitol Hill. With over 70 attendees, representing 25 families and 14 States, the PHF met with the offices of over 40 Members of Congress to advocate, educate & raise awareness.

By the end of the day, it looked like everyone on Capitol Hill was wearing the PHF’s signature Hydrocephalus Awareness solid Light Blue bracelet or lapel pin!!

For September’s National Hydrocephalus Awareness Month, the PHF introduced “Hydrocephalus Sibling Appreciation Day”, Siblings from 10 families were randomly chosen and were awarded a Family Night at the Movies, courtesy of the PHF, Inc.

In 2012, the PHF has awarded over $110,000.00 in grants and donations to Hospitals, Neuroscience Institutes and Medical Research Centers for Hydrocephalus Research & Education:

CHOC Foundation
Goodman Campbell Brain & Spine Foundation
Cameron Can Foundation
St. Cloud Hospital
Boston Children’s Hospital
Children’s Hospital Colorado
Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital
Akron Children’s Hospital
Duke University Medical Center
Kapi’olani Medical Center for Women and Children
Kona Community Hospital
Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
University of Utah
University of Illinois at Chicago

The PHF, an all-volunteer 501 (c) (3) dues free non-profit charitable organization, now boasts thousands of members across the Country, with over 30 State Chapters, and more to come!

Aila Elmore, 5 months old of Indiana, and Matthew Elicea, 9 years old of California, will serve as the PHF’s 2013 Ambassadors for our “National Face of Hydrocephalus Awareness” Campaign, as we head towards the 5th Anniversary of Hydrocephalus Awareness Month in September.

We will randomly select ONE male and female from all entries received. Submit a picture of your nominee, between the ages of newborn to 19 years old, with their name and D.O.B. (These pictures MUST BE E-MAILED to mike@hydrocephaluskids.org- Facebook entries are not valid)

The 2 winners will be awarded $250.00 donations in their name to your choice of Hospital/Neurosurgeon & a 2 NIGHT STAY @ the Embassy Suites in Washington DC during our 3rd Annual PHF Day of Hydrocephalus Awareness on Capitol Hill Event on 8/22 & 8/23 in 2013, (travel not included).

To enter, email a picture of your nominee, (between the ages of newborn to 19 years old), with their name, D.O.B. & current city & state)

Contest ends 12/31/2012 & Winners announced on 1/2/2013
* Email your picture to mike@hydrocephaluskids.org
* Last year’s winners are not eligible.
* PHF Board Members & State Chapter Directors ARE eligible to participate.
* By submitting a photo, you agree that the picture may be used in promoting this contest, promotional materials for the PHF, and other PHF outreach campaigns.

Check out the picture galleries of everyone nominated:

Christina Brown, (PHF State Chapter Co-Director of Colorado), & her son Jaden, present Neurosurgeon Dr. Todd Hankinson with a check from the PHF for $500.00 to Children’s Hospital Colorado Neurosurgery.

Jaden was the PHF’s 2012 National Face of Hydrocephalus Awareness for the boys.

WASHINGTON– Congressman Leonard Lance (NJ-07) issued the following statement in support of September as National Hydrocephalus Awareness Month.

“Today we recognize September as National Hydrocephalus Awareness Month. For too long, little attention has been paid to hydrocephalus.

I am certain that with federal support for additional research we can develop a better treatment, and eventually a cure, for those suffering from hydrocephalus and help them live healthier, fuller lives.”

In the House of Representatives, Lance is a founding member and co-chair of the Congressional Hydrocephalus Awareness Caucus and actively works to raise awareness of the disease.