My Story…
The Hydrocephalus Association (HA) is leading the way in research, advocacy, and support for more than one million Americans living with hydrocephalus. Their work means a lot to me since my wife lives with hydrocephalus. She recently underwent her fifteenth surgery to treat the condition that impacts her life on a daily basis. We keep hoping that new and less invasive treatments besides surgeries that impact the brain can be discovered to offer relief to all those whose lives are impacted.
To assist HA in their work, I am going to run a Half Marathon on June 20, 2026 in Duluth, Minnesota. I will be one of several people running the 2026 Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon to help increase awareness about this condition and to raise funds for hydrocephalus research. HA’s goal is simple but powerful: better treatments and, ultimately, a cure. Progress happens because of people who care enough to take action—and that’s where you come in.
Every mile I run represents the families navigating life with hydrocephalus, the children and adults facing daily challenges, and the researchers working toward breakthroughs that can change lives. Every dollar raised fuels innovative research, supports clinical trials, and ensures families have access to education, resources, and a community that understands their journey.
Your support truly matters. Together, we can accelerate discoveries, strengthen support networks, and bring hope to those living with hydrocephalus today—and tomorrow.
Please consider supporting my run on the HA Endurance Team at the 2026 Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon. No gift is too small, and every contribution makes a meaningful, lasting impact.
Thank you!!
Description
Founded in 1983 by the parents of children with hydrocephalus, the Hydrocephalus Association (HA) is the nation’s largest and most widely respected organization dedicated to hydrocephalus.
Hydrocephalus can affect anyone, at any age. This life-altering and potentially life-threatening condition occurs when cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up abnormally, putting pressure on the brain. The most common treatment is brain surgery to implant a shunt, a device that helps drain excess fluid. However, shunts are not a cure—they frequently fail, often requiring multiple brain surgeries over a patient’s lifetime, sometimes more than 100.
You can make a difference. I am training for and running the 50th Anniversary Grandma's Marathon to support the Hydrocephalus Association (HA), the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to funding critical research, raising awareness, and providing support for the over 1 million people in the U.S. living with hydrocephalus. Your donation to my fundraiser will not only fuel my journey but also help HA advance its mission to improve lives and find a cure.
Together, we can bring hope to those affected and drive progress toward better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
Recent donors
| Donation date | Donor name | Donation amount |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 23 | Noodle | $133.98 |
| Mar 22 | Scott & Britt Cavagnaro | $25.00 |
| Mar 22 | Tommy OHara | $54.10 |
| Mar 22 | Mary and Paul Constantine | Undisclosed amount |
| Mar 17 | Anonymous | Undisclosed amount |
| Mar 16 | Jennifer and Timothy Jackson | $107.35 |
| Mar 15 | Joan Rees | $27.48 |
| Mar 15 | Aimee D’Avignon | $54.10 |
| Mar 15 | Anonymous | Undisclosed amount |
| Mar 15 | Carol Jonas | $54.10 |
