Mary Ann’s Dance and More to Host Hydrocephalus Awareness Event

EASTHAMPTON — Mary Ann’s Dance and More is partnering with the Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation Inc. (PHF), as well as Bella Sacharczyk, for a Hydrocephalus Awareness 5K and Family Fun Day on Saturday, Sept. 22 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mary Ann’s Dance and More, 396 Main St., Easthampton. The day will include music, dance performances, raffles, vendors, and more.

Sacharczyk is an 19-year-old living with hydrocephalus. After enduring 23 brain surgeries and countless hours of physical therapy to learn to walk again, she just graduated from high school with honors, with a 3.94 average, and is planning to go into the biology program at Holyoke Community College and then to UMass Amherst to get her Ph.D. in medical research.

She wants to someday work at Boston Children’s Hospital, which is doing research on the brain condition she suffers with every day. Her mission of raising awareness and money to fund research projects has resulted in the funding of $15,000 in research grants over the last two years.

The Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation is an all-volunteer, nonprofit, charitable organization that educates the community by raising the level of awareness about hydrocephalus and provides support to families, friends, and children affected by this brain condition.