Together We Are Resilient

Hydrocephalus Association 2020 Annual Report

Message from the President/CEO

Diana Gray, MA

President and Chief Executive Officer
Hydrocephalus Association

Brett Weitz

Chair, Hydrocephalus Association Board of Directors

"If there's one thing this community knows, it's resiliency. Despite an incredibly difficult year, we weathered the storm together! With your help, the Hydrocephalus Association was able to continue supporting families and individuals on their journey with hydrocephalus, and to fund groundbreaking research to get us closer to a cure and improved treatment options. On behalf of HA's Board of Directors, thank you so much for your support."

Research

Improving lives now and funding the breakthrough research of tomorrow.

2020 was an important year for our Research Program because we exceeded the $12 million mark for our total Research Program spending. This $12 million investment has helped advance hydrocephalus research in incredible ways, allowing us to support 3 research networks and to award 43 grants to brilliant scientists who are exploring new treatments and pathways to a cure. Today, thanks to YOU, we are the largest, private funder of hydrocephalus research in the country.

Learn More About Our Research >

Community Research Priority Assessment Gets Underway

Scientists Awarded HA Grants for Innovative Research

HA Hosts Inaugural Meeting of New Scientific Advisory Board

Amplifying Our Research Impact

$12 million+

Preclinical Drugs Tested

10

increase in HANDS Membership

17%

Total Number of People in our Patient Registry

722

secured in Additional
Funding by HA Researchers

$35 million

Education & Support

Providing resources and support to help you on your journey with hydrocephalus.

Since 1983, we’ve been the place individuals turn to when they need guidance or have questions about hydrocephalus. Whether it's by providing one-on-one support through our Helpline, offering free educational resources, or fostering meaningful connections through our Community Networks, helping our community is what we love to do. Despite the global pandemic, we continued to be a source of hope and information for those impacted by hydrocephalus, pivoting our events to virtual and providing COVID-19 guidance through webinars and our website.

Learn More About our Education & Support Efforts >

Our First Virtual Conference Attracts Over 2,000 People

Academic Scholarships Awarded to 12 Young People

Helping Our Community Through the COVID-19 Pandemic

3,500

HA Community Network virtual social gatherings and educational meetings

100

HA Community Networks

44

Doctors in HA’s
Physicians Directory

572

WALK to End Hydrocephalus

Every year, people across the country come together to connect with their peers, raise funds for a cure, and celebrate the hydrocephalus community at a WALK to End Hydrocephalus.

However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, coming together in person was not possible so we created a virtual WALK to End Hydrocephalus movement so that anyone could participate and raise money for their local WALK doing whatever activity they wanted wherever they were.

Learn More About Our WALKS >

WALK To End Hydrocephalus Becomes Virtual Movement

47 Walks

helped raise money at a walk

645 Teams

participated virtually in an HA Walk

5,000 People

Raised for Hydrocephalus research, support & education

$1.3 Million

Featuring Whitney Cummings

Writer, Actress, and Comedian

Nearly 800 people participated in our first-ever virtual In Stitches: A Night of Laughs event on Nov. 19, 2020. Our annual comedy fundraiser is typically held in Los Angeles but thanks to our sponsors and partners, we were able to offer attendees a unique online experience from the comfort of their own homes. The event not only raised much-needed awareness of our cause, but it also raised $300,000 for hydrocephalus research, support, and education programs.

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Advocacy

The Hydrocephalus Association is the leading voice for the hydrocephalus community on Capitol Hill, successfully fighting for legislation that increases federal research dollars for hydrocephalus and improves the lives of those living with the condition.

Learn More About Our Advocacy Efforts >

Big Wins for Hydrocephalus

Bergen County Board of Commissioners Raises Awareness About Hydrocephalus

The Hydrocephalus Association has earned high marks from the BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU, GUIDESTAR, CHARITY NAVIGATOR, and the NATIONAL HEALTH COUNCIL. See all of our Charity Ratings. For more on our financials, visit our website

Thank you to Our Corporate Sponsors

Leadership

Medical Advisory Board

Board of Directors

HA Staff

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Connect

The Hydrocephalus Association depends on concerned individuals like you to help us raise funds to support critical research and programs that improve the quality of life for people living with hydrocephalus and, ultimately, find a cure.