ELEVATING OUR VOICES
Hydrocephalus Awareness Month & World Hydrocephalus Day 2024 Faces of Strength, Voices of Hope: A Unified Call for Awareness
Each September, the Hydrocephalus Association leads a national campaign powered by our community to raise awareness, educate the public, and advocate for greater research and support. In 2024, we organized the second World Hydrocephalus Day, uniting partners around the world. These two cornerstone initiatives elevate the voices of those living with this complex neurological condition.
Hydrocephalus Awareness Month 2024
Faces of Strength, Voices of Hope: A Unified Call for Awareness
Our 2024 campaign, Faces of Strength, Voices of Hope, put a human face on hydrocephalus—amplifying real stories of resilience, courage, and perseverance. Throughout the month, we shared powerful narratives from individuals of all ages who live with hydrocephalus, from infants to seniors. Each story underscored a central truth: hydrocephalus affects people across every life stage, and each voice in our community carries the power to inform, inspire, and drive change.
These personal accounts were shared across digital platforms, reaching a wide audience and igniting conversations that foster greater understanding of the condition. Our community’s authenticity and vulnerability reminded the public—and policymakers—that hydrocephalus is not just a medical condition, but a lived experience that demands attention, empathy, and action.
Amplifying Awareness in Washington
A significant highlight of this year’s campaign was the bipartisan support from members of the Congressional Hydrocephalus Caucus, who used their platforms to uplift our message and broaden our reach. From the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, Representatives Chris Smith (NJ-04) and Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), co-chairs of the Caucus, introduced House Resolution 1479, officially recognizing National Hydrocephalus Awareness Month and World Hydrocephalus Day. The resolution acknowledged the more than 1 million Americans living with hydrocephalus and underscored the importance of federal support for awareness, research, and care.
This recognition on Capitol Hill, combined with the passionate advocacy of our community, marked a meaningful step forward in raising the national profile of hydrocephalus.
World Hydrocephalus Day 2024
A Global Movement for a Shared Cause
On September 20, 2024, the world stood united for World Hydrocephalus Day, a growing international effort to bring visibility to a condition that affects millions globally. This year’s observance saw increased global engagement, with participation from countries including Australia, Belgium, Canada, Ireland, Israel, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Scotland, Sweden, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.
This expanding international momentum affirms what we know to be true: hydrocephalus is a global health issue, and by working together across borders and disciplines, we can improve outcomes and move closer to a cure.
Hydrocephalus Awareness Month and World Hydrocephalus Day 2024 reminded us of the power of storytelling, advocacy, and collective action. Thanks to the tireless efforts of our community and the growing support from allies around the world, the message is clear: we are united, we are strong, and we are making progress.
Together, we will continue to raise our voices, push boundaries, and advance toward a future where no one faces hydrocephalus alone.
Celebrity Champions Raise Their Voices for Hydrocephalus Awareness
Danny Bonaduce Joins HA to Spotlight Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)
Beloved actor and radio/TV personality Danny Bonaduce partnered with the Hydrocephalus Association in 2024 to raise critical awareness for normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH)—a condition he was recently diagnosed with. Despite affecting an estimated 800,000 Americans, NPH often goes undiagnosed or is mistaken for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or dementia.
To help bring attention to this commonly misunderstood condition, Danny sat down with HA President and CEO Diana Gray to share his powerful story in a recorded video. His openness and honesty have helped humanize the challenges of NPH, while underscoring the urgent need for better diagnostic awareness and research.
In addition, Danny recorded two national public service announcements (PSAs)—one for Hydrocephalus Awareness Month and another for World Hydrocephalus Day. His advocacy is already making an impact, and we are grateful for his commitment to supporting our mission and the hydrocephalus community.
Caterina Scorsone Lends Her Voice to Our Awareness Efforts
Actress Caterina Scorsone, known for her portrayal of Dr. Amelia Shepherd on Grey’s Anatomy, joined forces with HA to help elevate national awareness about hydrocephalus. She graciously recorded a PSA featured in HA’s outreach campaigns, helping us reach new audiences and spark important conversations about this lifelong condition.
This partnership grew organically after an episode of Grey’s Anatomy featured a storyline involving hydrocephalus. In response, HA’s Sierra Smith, Support & Education Program Assistant, penned a compelling Sierra Speaks Out blog post reflecting on the episode’s impact. After the blog was shared on HA’s social media and noticed by one of the show’s writers, a connection was formed—leading to Caterina’s generous involvement.
Thanks to her support, HA expanded its awareness reach and inspired new communities to engage with our mission. Her advocacy highlights the power of storytelling in building empathy, promoting research, and ensuring earlier, accurate diagnoses.