AR KIDSfest raises awareness about brain condition

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LITTLE ROCK, AR – Sunday, an Arkansas woman organized the Little Rock KIDSfest to raise awareness about a rare brain condition impacting her son’s life.

Hydrocephalus has no cure right now and happens when fluid builds up inside the skull leading to brain swelling.

Cessilye Lawson is the Arkansas State Chapter Director for the Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation.

“We’re here to find a cure. There’s no cure for hydrocephalus. Many children endure several brain surgeries because the treatment right now is several brain surgeries. The treatment right now is an implanted device in their brain,” says Lawson.

Her son, Taylor, has the rare brain defect which causes baby’s heads to double their normal size.

Sunday, Lawson organized the first Little Rock KIDSfest to help find a cure for the brain condition which affects about one-million Americans.

“Last week we had one that passed away. She was four and she had endured 25 brain surgeries, so this today is dedicated to McKinna,” says Lawson.

Lawson brought in a petting zoo, fire trucks and bounce houses to allow kids to have fun while their parents raise awareness to try to find a cure.

“If we all stick together, we can make it better for the cause,” says father Neil Hood.

“This is something we can do to try to raise money and awareness and help in any little way,” says mother Karen White.

“My three little girls, they don’t have it, but they could have it. So it’s always good to donate, especially for the kids programs,” says volunteer Calvin Key.

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.