WALK TO END HYDROCEPALUS
The Power of Collective Action
In 2025, the Hydrocephalus Association’s signature grassroots event—the WALK to End Hydrocephalus—brought together more than 7,200 participants across 43 events nationwide. Representing 825 teams and supported by over 10,500 donors, this incredible community of families, advocates, medical professionals, and supporters demonstrated the power of collective action.
Led by 96 dedicated WALK Leaders and Chairs and bolstered by the generosity of 138 corporate sponsors, the WALK raised $1.84 million to fuel HA’s research, education, advocacy, and community support initiatives.
Together, these events reinforced the WALK’s role as a powerful expression of HA’s mission—bringing people together, raising awareness, empowering families, and generating the resources needed to improve lives today while accelerating progress toward better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
Celebrating WALK Anniversaries
Long Island and Salt Lake City – 20 Years of Impact
In 2025, the Long Island and Salt Lake City WALKs celebrated their 20th anniversaries—an extraordinary milestone in our movement. Over the past two decades, these dedicated communities have raised more than $1.78 million and $242,000, respectively, in support of our mission.
Together, we celebrate their lasting impact and honor the generations of supporters whose commitment has helped shape a legacy of hope, connection, and progress for the hydrocephalus community.
Wichita, Central Pennsylvania and Seattle – 15 Years of Dedication
Celebrating 15 years of commitment and community, the Wichita, Central Pennsylvania, and Seattle WALKs have become enduring pillars of the Hydrocephalus Association’s grassroots movement. Over the past decade and a half, these events have raised more than $2 million combined, including $183,833 in Wichita, $230,953 in Central Pennsylvania, and an extraordinary $1,605,846 in Seattle.
Their continued success reflects the dedication of volunteers, participants, donors, and advocates who have helped build stronger communities, expand awareness, and create lasting momentum for the hydrocephalus movement.
St. Petersburg, NW Arkansas, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh – 10 Years of Community
The St. Petersburg, Northwest Arkansas, Indianapolis, and Pittsburgh WALKs have made a meaningful difference through a decade of fundraising, advocacy, and community building. Over the past 10 years, these events have raised nearly $790,000, including $131,449 in St. Petersburg, $303,091 in Northwest Arkansas, $183,584 in Indianapolis, and $170,330 in Pittsburgh.
These accomplishments highlight the power of grassroots engagement and the meaningful impact that local communities can make when united around a shared purpose.
Growing the Movement: New WALK Locations
Central Valley – A Strong Start for a Growing Community
The Central Valley WALK launched in 2025 as a new, combined event, uniting the former San Francisco and Fresno WALK communities. In its inaugural year, the event exceeded its fundraising goal, demonstrating the strength of this strategic consolidation.
Chaired by Amanda Parker and Kim Sakoi, a dedicated mother-daughter team, the event benefited from strong leadership and community engagement. Their efforts have established a solid foundation for sustained growth and long-term success in the region.
“As Mom and Nonna to Liam, hydrocephalus is deeply personal to us. Chairing the Central Valley WALK to End Hydrocephalus has challenged us, inspired us, and brought our community together in meaningful ways. Seeing more than 150 people join us in our first year reminds us that no family has to face this journey alone.”— Kim and Amanda, Central Valley WALK Chairs
A Welcome Return
After a two-year hiatus, the Alabama WALK successfully returned in 2025 under the leadership of Briana Rhinehart and Haley Ellis Butler. The revitalized event quickly regained momentum, nearly doubling its original fundraising goal and reestablishing a strong presence within the local community.
This exceptional performance has positioned the Alabama WALK for continued growth, with increased fundraising targets and expanded opportunities anticipated for the 2026 season.
Following a five-year hiatus, the Oregon WALK returned in 2025 under the leadership of Caira Martino, demonstrating strong potential and community commitment.
Focused efforts are now underway to build on this foundation, with a strategic emphasis on increasing team participation, overall attendance, and local sponsorship. Early indicators show positive momentum, positioning the Oregon WALK for meaningful growth in the 2026 season.
Accelerating Growth Across the WALK Program
In just its second year as a WALK site, Virginia Beach has continued to exceed expectations and consistently surpass its fundraising goals. In 2025, the addition of an annual golf tournament significantly expanded the event’s impact, generating incremental revenue, securing new sponsorships, and increasing overall visibility for the WALK.
Under the leadership of Tasha Buchanan, the event has demonstrated sustained growth through a strategic focus on both participant acquisition and retention. Ongoing efforts to recruit new teams, while maintaining strong relationships with returning participants, have contributed to the site’s continued success.
Local media engagement has also played a key role in elevating awareness, with coverage from WAVY-TV helping to amplify the mission and reach broader audiences within the community.
The Iowa WALK achieved exceptional growth in 2025, increasing total revenue by 68% over 2024 under the leadership of Dhuha Tawil and Jolene Grau. This significant gain was driven by a substantial expansion in local sponsorships, with a notable increase in the number of community partners supporting the event.
Event leaders attribute this success to a highly inclusive outreach strategy—consistently inviting individuals and businesses at all levels to participate—demonstrating that no contribution was too small to make a meaningful impact.
With Gratitude
The WALK to End Hydrocephalus continues to bring communities together in support of a shared mission: improving the lives of individuals and families affected by hydrocephalus. Each event strengthens our network of advocates, raises critical funds for research and support programs, and advances our vision of a future without hydrocephalus.
We are profoundly grateful to the volunteers, donors, sponsors, WALK leaders, and families whose passion and dedication fuel this movement. Because of you, hope grows stronger, communities become more connected, and progress continues to move forward.