The Hydrocephalus Awareness Month is a September initiative in the US that aims to raise awareness of an incurable brain disorder that affects 1 million Americans and one baby in every 1,000 born in Britain.

In the US, 25 states and cities across the country joined Congress in declaring September Hydrocephalus Awareness Month. Throughout September, Hydrocephalus Association volunteers across the country held activities and charity walks to raise awareness and funds for hydrocephalus research and education programs.

“Each September our hydrocephalus community comes together to celebrate Hydrocephalus Awareness Month. It is not only a month for us to educate about hydrocephalus across social media, in news stories, and working with local, state and the federal government, it is also our chance as a community to celebrate our strength and resiliency as we navigate the journey with hydrocephalus. This year we felt it was more important than ever to find a way to unite our community during a time where we are asked to be physically distanced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We challenged our community to show us their creativity in answering one important question – What would you do to end hydrocephalus? Over 600 people shared photos of themselves holding an awareness sign answering that question, creating over 1.5 million impressions and engaging over 53,000 individuals on Facebook alone. We culminated with a celebration for our national WALK program that highlighted our social media challenge and celebrated the resiliency and strength of our community.” Amanda Garzón | National Director of Program Services and Communications

The UK Hydrocephalus Awareness Week, organised by Shine, is held annually in February. Harry’s HAT look forward to getting involved in 2021.