VOLUNTEER DRIVEN PROGRAMS
We could not fulfill our mission without a dedicated team of volunteers. Our volunteers are passionate individuals who share a desire to find a cure for hydrocephalus.
In 2017, there were 58 volunteer-driven events aimed at raising funds to find a cure for hydrocephalus. Our largest volunteer-led event is our WALK to End Hydrocephalus. Thanks to our volunteers, 2017 was a record-breaking year for the WALK to End Hydrocephalus, raising nearly $2 million for hydrocephalus research, support, and education.
The WALK to End Hydrocephalus
More than 17,000 people took part in a WALK to End Hydrocephalus in their area with a total of 1,200 teams participating. Of the 46 WALKS that took place across the country in 2017, seven WALKS raised more than $100,000. The Los Angeles WALK to End Hydrocephalus, led by volunteer chairs Jennifer Pope and Courtney Pellettieri, raised $216,000 making it the first WALK to surpass the $200,000 mark. Six WALKS raised more than $100,000.
2017 WALK to End Hydrocephalus Locations
“I remember that first WALK so well. It was a year after Tyler’s diagnosis of hydrocephalus and I felt so alone. I felt there was no one to support or understand me and what our entire family was going through. It was at that WALK where I found such a great connection and bonded with so many. It personally affects me knowing how we have grown the WALK over the years.”
— Mia Padron, Co-chair of the Long Island WALK to End Hydrocephalus
Make Waves for Hydrocephalus: Unique Fundraising Events
Volunteers organized 11 unique fundraising events to support our research and support efforts. Passion and creativity made all of these events a success!
Kansas radio show host and singer Stephanie Oltean, whose son has hydrocephalus, held a holiday concert to raise funds for the Hydrocephalus Association.
In Elmhurst, IL, Rick Williams held a 3-on-3 Elmhurst Basketball Tournament. William’s wife Trish was diagnosed with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus in 2013.
Grandparents Raise Funds for Hydrocephalus Research
In January 2017, Iris and Nat Adler hosted a luncheon and card party at their Country Club in Boca Raton, FL to educate over 200 members about hydrocephalus and raise funds to support hydrocephalus research.
The Adler’s granddaughter, Charlotte, was born with Dandy Walker, a malformation of the cerebellum, which led to hydrocephalus. She has undergone multiple brain surgeries. The family established the Cure Charlotte’s Hydrocephalus Fund to help find alternative ways to treat and prevent hydrocephalus. Attendees took part in a number of activities, such as social bridge, canasta, Mahjong, a silent auction and a raffle. The event raised funds for the Hydrocephalus Clinical Research Network (HCRN), our pediatric-focused clinical network.