News
Hydrocephalus Conference Perspective
Hi, my name is Miranda Guth. I am 21 years old and live in Erie, PA. I was shunted at 10 years of age and since then I have had 8 surgeries. In May, I was fortunate to be able to attend the 9th annual Hydrocephalus Conference, in Baltimore, thanks to the help from the Hydrocephalus Association, The Northeast Ohio Support Group, and my family. Prior to going to the conference, I had never even met another person with hydrocephalus and there I was with so many; suddenly part of a tribe. The amount of support and understanding that I received from everyone was quite amazing. It truly was the first time that I didn't feel alone.
The seminars that made up the conference were very helpful and informational. There were some general workshops, like the one on the Physiology of Hydrocephalus, which helped to create a basic understanding. There were also some seminars that were geared toward very specific problems and topics, like the one on Slit Ventricle Syndrome, which I found to be extremely helpful.
I am so grateful that I was able to go to the conference because I learned a lot and walked away with some very important and helpful information and insights. I really wish that everyone who has hydrocephalus, and their support system, could have gone to the conference, so that they could fully understand the condition and the need for advocacy.
Wild Oats Wooden Nickel Program
Years ago, Wild Oats Markets invented a unique way to support local nonprofit groups while encouraging customers and employees to recycle. In their on-going effort to reduce any negative impact on the environment and encourage others to recycle and reuse, Wild Oats created the Wooden Nickel Program. Every time you bring your own shopping bags to the store - be it canvas, plastic or paper - Wild Oats will offer one Wooden Nickel per bag, which you then deposit into one of several Wooden Nickel Banks as you exit the store. Each Bank represents a different local, non-profit organization. The Wooden Nickel Program benefits three non-profit organizations every three-to-six months, and we have been selected as one of the organizations. Please help your environment and your community by donating your Wooden Nickels into the NOHSG Barrel!
NOHSG is now a member of the United Way charitable giving umbrella
If your workplace participates in a charitable giving campaign with United Way, you can direct your donations to NOHSG. Many employers match part or all of donations made by employees, so here is an opportunity to really make a difference!
As the nation's leading community solutions provider, United Way invests in and activates the resources to make the greatest possible impact in communities across America. The United Way movement includes approximately 1,400 community-based United Way organizations. Common focus areas include: helping children and youth succeed, strengthening and supporting families, promoting self-sufficiency, building vital and safe neighborhoods and supporting vulnerable and aging populations.
Visit United Way web site for more information on United Way and the services it can offer.
2nd Annual 5K Run/1 Mile Walk Family Fun Day
NOHSG held it's second annual 5K Run/1 Mile Walk and Family Fun Day on August 28th, 2004. Our thanks to the volunteers who helped with set-up, prizes and refreshments. The day was a success!
Linking new patients with patients
At new patients' requests, we have been linking them with those who have been through surgery. This has been very beneficial. A formal phone list is being developed for those who agree to be contacted. If you care to be part, please contact Hilary Rossen by phone or e-mail with your name, phone number, where you live and patient information.
Hydrocephalus database project
The Hydrocephalus Association is working on a Database Project to collect, store and synthesize information on the diagnosis, treatment and incidence, treatment protocols or long-term outcomes of hydrocephalus.
Please take the time to do the survey at www.hydrocephalusdatabase.org.