By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

PELHAM— More than 1 million people live with Hydrocephalus, a chronic condition caused by an accumulation of fluid on the brain. For those million people, there is only one treatment: Brain surgery.

To raise funds for research and awareness for the condition, the Central Alabama Hydrocephalus Association is hosting a walk at Oak Mountain State Park Nov. 1 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“The monies that we raise fund vital research that is being done at five different hospitals in the United States,” said Nalini Patel, one of the coordinators and volunteers for the event.

Patel’s son is 17 and has had more than 100 brain surgeries in his life. For her, the hundredth surgery was just as hard as the first.

Registration for the walk starts at 11 a.m. at the South Trail Head in the park. There will be music, food, face painting, a kids’ zone and vendors of all kinds.

Patel said many neurosurgeons come out to support the group, and they share materials on the brain and coping with the condition.

“We think that knowledge is power,” she said. “The more you know the better you can take care of your loved one.”

Charles Daniel with ABC 33/40 will serve as this year’s master of ceremonies, and all the money raised will go to Children’s of Alabama where vital research is being done to improve the treatments and lives of those affected by Hydrocephalus.

This is the association’s eighth Hydrocephalus Walk, and the first time they have held it at Oak Mountain. What started as about 25 participants has grown to more than 400 over the years.

Last year, they raised about $35,000, and Patel said they hope to raise $40,000 this year.

“It’s an overwhelming feeling to know you are not alone and there are resources out there to help you,” she said. “Its just a great place for people to celebrate who they are.”

Since her son was diagnosed, Patel said she feels fundraisers like this walk have greatly contributed to improved treatments. She said she also believes she is helping to improve the conditions for future patients.

To register for the walk, visit Hawalk.kintera.org/Alabama.

“(It’s just) the feeling of  “wow” with the overwhelming support from our community,” Patel said. “Just to know you aren’t alone is amazing because there aren’t many people out there that know about us.”