In The News

This is a link to the latest video that I was fortunate enough to play a small part in. It was put together by the Hydrocephalus Association to shed light on hydrocephalus research.

https://vimeo.com/140482596

The next link is about a group of folks, that included myself, that went to Washington DC and lobbied on behalf of Hydrocephalus Research to the Congress, and Department of Defence. We did what we set out to do!

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/12/prweb12412873.htm

I was also fortunate enough to have a small piece in this video for the American Association of Cancer Research while in DC, in 2013. Even though it was for the AARC it did a great job on shedding light on hydrocephalus.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LXFwwofRpc

One thing that is deeply concerning to me, is the link between our military vets and acquired hydrocephalus. Even though I'm not a veteran I've got two brother in laws who are and a late grampa, who served in WWII

Since our 2003 entry into Iraq the DoD has seen over 380,000 cases of traumatic brain injury. 14% of those soldiers will acquire hydrocephalus  from head injury. And they are losing an average of 26 Vets a day to suicide. Both those numbers are astonishing and something I would like to see something done about.


In 2014 I asked my district Congressman Representative Joe Kennedy III to meet with me in his district office. I explained to him hydrocephalus, and how funding is important. How it also effects our combat veterans greatly so it should be researched more. He did join the hydrocephalus caucus in congress and I have met with him many times since. I have found, for the most part, these people want to help. You can have all the numbers in the world, but they really remember a story, and as patients, or caretakers and advocate can all tell you some horrific stories. But we can end that with a grassroots movement, its not partisan, it can effect anybody, anytime. Donations are appreciated.



https://photos.app.goo.gl/gcyS18Ehdb5kiHqH7



Zachariah Smith

PO Box 812

Wrentham MA, 02093



What is Hydrocephalus? Hydrocephalus is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain. The word has it's origins in Greek, hydro meaning water, and cephalus meaning brain. It's commonly referred to as water on the brain, it's technically in the brain.

Types of Hydrocephalus

• Congenital Hydrocephalus, is present at birth.

• Acquired Hydrocephalus, can be the result of any type of traumatic brain injury (TBI).

• Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, develops in people 55 of older and presents a lot like dementia.

• Ex-vacuo hydrocephalus, which can take place in stoke victims.

• Post-Hemorrhagic Hydrocephalus, this happens in preterm infants as a result of an IVH, an intraventricular hemorrhage.
  

There is also Non-obstructive or communicating hydrocephalus, as well as Obstructive hydrocephalus or non-communicating hydrocephalus.

This is a link to the NIH facts page about hydrocephalus!

https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Hydrocephalus-Fact-Sheet