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+ Date:
May 2003
»
For many families,
summer vacations have begun...school is out! While we are excited
that our families will have this opportunity to take family
vacations, we want you to know that we will still have our group
meetings. Our next meeting will be Tuesday, June 10th, at the
Seventh Day Adventist Church next to Florida Hospital, 2800 N.
Orange Ave. Orlando. Take I-4 to the Princeton exit. Take
Princeton to Orange Ave, turn left, go 1 1/2 blocks to King St and
the church is on the left.
» We will be having a video and discussion regarding the grief
process surrounding the diagnosis of hydrocephalus. This will
provide opportunities for families to hear first-hand experiences
of our group members. We look forward to seeing you there!
»
The National Council on Disabilities:
has created anew electronic information list for issues such as
housing, employment, transportation, healthcare, education, and
assistive technology. The NCD is an independent federal agency
whose goal is to reach out for equal opportunities to individuals
with any kind of disability. To receive informational e-mails each
month, send a blank e-mail to:
addbulletin@list.ncd.gov
Hydrocephalus
Index
» Put
out by the Dept. of Neurosurgery at Wake Forest University School
of Medicine, is a great list of links to information on both
childhood and adult hydrocephalus.
www.wfubmc.edu/bgsm/surg-sci/ns/hyceph.html
Responses to the Initial Diagnosis
»
Hearing,
for the first time, that a loved one has been diagnosed with
hydrocephalus, brings with it varied emotions. Most families
experience some version of the grief process (shock, denial,
anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance). Recognizing that
these are normal steps in our psychological makeup, will help us
deal with our feelings so that we can better meet the needs of our
family.
»
Some people find
themselves unable to move through one or more of these steps. As a
result, they can become emotionally trapped. Individuals may
experience weight loss/gain, the inability to concentrate on tasks
or make decisions, crying at the drop of a hat, feeling guilty for
everything, feeling unloved or alone, thinking others are making
too much of their situation, or feeling irritation at your spouse,
parents, children or siblings because they don’t understand your
perspective. If you are experiencing these symptoms, the first
thing to do is to talk to someone about your feelings remembering
that we are each individuals and will move through this process at
different rates. If your struggle continues, it may be helpful to
seek professional advice.
The Updated Phone
Directory is Here!
»
If you’re looking for
someone to talk to who has similar issues or complications from
hydrocephalus; our phone directory is a great resource. Most
members in our directory included specific medical issues their
family lives with from day to day.
»
If you weren’t able to pick up a
directory at our spring picnic, they will be available at our June
10th meeting.
» If you
would like to be included in the phone directory, you can pick up
a form at the meeting.
Donations for Hydrocephalus Research
» Due
to the fact that there are many medical groups looking for
research donations associated with the Orlando Regional HealthCare
System, hydrocephalus research donations must be designated for
the Wade’s Center for Hydrocephalus. Gifts in kind may also be
made through the Hydrocephalus Family Support Group (HFSG). Unless
otherwise specified, gifts through HFSG may be used for research
and/or advancing the mission of supporting families. Please
remember to specify on the memo line of your check where you want
your funds allocated.
Annual "Chances To Win" Fundraiser
» Our annual Chances
to Win fundraiser is in full swing. Proceeds from this fundraiser
go to the Wade Center for Hydrocephalus Research to help find a
cure for hydrocephalus. Tickets are $10.00 each, please make
checks payable to H.F.S.G.
Prizes include:
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Six month car lease from Phillips.
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3 day, 2 night getaway at Hampton Inn.
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Two 30 minute Flotation Therapy Massage at
Sheraton World.
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Gift certificates to:
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Jewelry
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Cordless drill
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Handyman for a day
» Tickets
to Water Mania, Sea World, Pleasure Island Theatre, Soul Fire
Dinner Theatre, Tiki Island Miniature Golf Baskets from Mary Kay,
Yankee Candle, Kids Creative, and more!
...Drawing will be held
August 9, 2003...
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» For more
information or if you would like tickets...
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Contact:
Chairperson: Karen Wilkerson at 407-944-1180
Vice Chairperson: Tammy Troutman at 407-657-0466
Treasurer: Bobbi Lyn Bolton at 407-673-4663
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