Senator Flanagan Joins With Concerned Parents at 4th Annual Hydrocephalus Walk

John J. Flanagan

October 5, 2009

Senator Flanagan presents New York State Resolutions to the volunteers who organized the 4th Annual Hydrocephalus WALK.  Those receiving resolutions are (from left to right) Mia Padron, Jackie Davidson, Scott Davidson, Jason Goldstein, Melanie Poletski, Janine Melomo and Nancy Santo Loguercio.

Senator John Flanagan (2nd Senate District) recently served as the honorary chairperson at the 4th Annual Hydrocephalus WALK to help raise awareness and funding for this incurable condition.  This year’s walk, which took place at Belmont Lake State Park in West Babylon, raised over $30,000 for the cause.

Earlier this year, Senator Flanagan sponsored a Senate resolution that designated the month of September as Hydrocephalus Awareness Month in New York State.  The Belmont Lake State Park walk on September 26th was a part of a statewide effort to utilize that recognition to raise funds.

Prior to the start of the walk, Senator Flanagan presented a copy of the Senate resolution to each member of the event’s organizing committee.

According to the Hydrocephalus Association web site, hydrocephalus is an abnormal accumulation of fluid inside the brain.  The condition may occur at any age and is a lifelong condition that affects over one million Americans from newborns to adults.  While experts estimate that this condition affects one in every 500 children, the causes are unknown.

“Hydrocephalus is a condition that is relatively unknown to many and events like this help to promote education and awareness so that all New Yorkers can protect themselves and their loved ones.  I am honored to have been chosen as the honorary chair and thank all the hard working volunteers for their dedication to making this year’s walk possible,” stated Senator Flanagan.

All of the proceeds from the September 26th walk will benefit the programs of the Hydrocephalus Association, a national non-profit organization that provides support, education and advocacy to individuals, families and medical professionals dealing with the complex issues of hydrocephalus, as well as research to find a cure.

Anyone who would like more information about hydrocephalus should visit the Hydrocephalus Association’s web site at www.hydroassoc.org.