NEWBURGH — Rebecca Lopez of Newburgh has for years quietly assisted the Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation’s New York State Chapter to help raise awareness and money to fund research projects on this rarely talked about, incurable brain condition. Lopez’s son, 10-year-old Isaiah, is fighting the disease, in which excessive fluid gathers in the brain, abnormally widening spaces and placing potentially harmful pressure on brain tissues. It occurs in approximately one of every 500 births and in over one million Americans today. Because of the lack of advancements in treatment, many affected individuals are left unable to lead full and productive lives. Untreated, hydrocephalus can be fatal.

Wanting to do even more, Lopez decided to take a more active and public role, and asked about joining the New York Chapter as an additional state director and take on additional responsivities in the all-volunteer Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation.

“I am involved with the PHF to not only help raise awareness and fund a cure, but to let my son Isaiah know that I will support him anyway imaginable. My dream is to find better treatment options and one day, a cure,” Lopez said.

The Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation, an all-volunteer non-profit 501(c) (3) charitable organization, educates the community by creating awareness about Hydrocephalus. PHF, with 35 state chapters, provides support to families, friends and children affected by this incurable brain condition. PHF assists the medical community by raising funds to search for treatment options, and ultimately, a cure. PHF advocates on behalf of members while working with policy makers at the State and Federal levels to push for more research and support in the fight against Hydrocephalus. Since 2010, PHF has awarded over $350,000 in grants and donations to hospitals, neuroscience institutes and medical research centers for research and education. For more information, visit hydrocephalusKids.org.

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