I received the following email from a Twitter buddy of mine who suffers from an illness known as Hydrocephalus. I will be posting her guest blog post tomorrow where you can learn more about the illness. Please read the email below and help support the Hydrocephalus Association.
As most of you know, at the age of 11 I was diagnosed with Hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus commonly referred to as “water on the brain” is a lifelong neurological condition, affecting over one million Americans from newborns to seniors. Presently there is no cure. An estimated 40,000 shunt operations are performed each year in this country as standard treatment for this condition. This is 1 every 13 minutes. Due to the lack of advancements in these treatment methods, many people with hydrocephalus are unable to lead full and productive lives.
Hydrocephalus awareness is necessary & finding a cure is vital! Over the years, especially the last 3, I have learned what it means to have my quality of life taken away. During one of my long hospital stays my mom & I felt we needed to get involved & we needed to make a difference. After contacting the Hydrocephalus Association mom learned there wasn’t a Hydrocephalus WALK in Michigan. In 2007 she started the first Annual Detroit Hydrocephalus WALK.
We are hoping that each year the walk will continue to grow and become a large statewide event. By the year 2010, the Hydrocephalus Association is hoping to have events in each state. This year we are hosting the 3rd Annual Hydrocephalus Detroit Walk-Wheel-Run at Livonia‘s Rotary Park, located at 32300 6 Mile, Livonia, MI, 48152, on Sunday August 2, 2009. Registration begins at 8:30 at Rotary Pavilions 1 and 2. The 3 mile walk is scheduled to start at 9:30 a.m.
This walk has been my motivation to keep fighting. Focusing on this has reminded me that I am never alone & together we can make a difference. I want to reach out to everyone suffering from Hydrocephalus & show them that there is support out there. I am more determined now than ever, to raise awareness, funds for research, & bring those affected together. With the Hydrocephalus Association I know that we will take steps towards improving lives.
Please help me reach my fundraising goals & pass this onto family & friends! http://www.gifttool.com/athon/MyFundraisingPage?ID=1488&AID=751&PID=76237 Just click “Sponsor Me” to make a donation. I am under Team Jenn Bechard.
If you can’t make the WALK, come to our fundraiser on June 18th at Max and Erma’s, 37714 Six Mile Road. 20% of your sales will benefit Detroit’s Hydrocephalus WALK!
Thank you in advance for your generosity!
Call or email with any questions, hope to see you there!
Jennifer Bechard
CO-Chair Detroit Hydrocephalus Association
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