Waugh, DePasquale Champion Hydrocephalus Awareness

HARRISBURG – Senator Mike Waugh (R-York) and State Representative Eugene DePasquale (D-York) held a news conference today to advocate for and raise awareness about the neurological condition, hydrocephalus.

"Raising awareness for hydrocephalus is important," DePasquale said. "Senator Waugh and I are blessed to have a family in our respective districts with the courage to make us aware of the challenges they face every day. We both believe it is important to do our part to raise awareness beyond our boundaries."

Hydrocephalus is the abnormal build up of cerebrospinal fluids on the brain. It affects an estimated 1 million Americans, including more than 375,000 older Americans who have been diagnosed with this condition. There is currently no cure for this disease. However, appropriate diagnose and treatment can allow people with hydrocephalus to live full lives.

"Hydrocephalus is a condition that affects young and old, alike," said Waugh.  "Representative DePasquale and I have had the honor of working with a young family from York whose two sons, ages 1 and 3, both have hydrocephalus and between the two have had 17 surgeries. Thanks to this family’s advocacy, as well as that of others across the Commonwealth, Pennsylvanians are becoming more aware of this condition."

The news conference coincided with the adoption of a state House resolution today that recognizes November 2009 as "Hydrocephalus Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. Waugh authored an identical resolution that was adopted in the state Senate on Oct. 9.

The resolutions call on Pennsylvanians to observe the month by helping to raise awareness of hydrocephalus and learning how to improve the quality of life for people suffering from this condition.