Woodbridge Council Recognizes Hydrocephalus Awareness Month; Foundation Seeks Research Funding

Michael Ellians, who said he founded the Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation in Woodbridge in February 2009, told the council the nonprofit raises money for research on causes and treatments for hydrocephalus and organizes local fundraisers. He said three children present at the meeting — ages from infant to 19 — have undergone a combined total of about 46 brain surgeries and described the foundation’s efforts to fund noninvasive technologies to detect shunt failure.

Ellians listed upcoming local events and fundraising efforts, including a foundation walk on Sept. 21 (phfkids.org), a day-at-the-races event at Monmouth Park and a breakfast at the Elks Lodge in Woodbridge on Oct. 13. He said the Sept. 21 walk is expected to raise close to $40,000 to support research projects and called for continued local support.

Council members acknowledged the foundation’s local roots and work. The council joined Ellians in raising a flag to mark Hydrocephalus Awareness Month and recognized Ellery, identified as the foundation’s 2024 female national ambassador, who has undergone multiple brain surgeries.

The council’s formal proceedings then continued with routine business and votes. The foundation’s website and event registration were provided during the presentation as phfkids.org.