Family Raising Funds for Hydrocephalus Cure

Two members of the Arkansas Tech University community are applying their personal experience to reach out and help other families facing a similar challenge.

Jana and Greg Crouch, both of whom are ATU alumni and employees, are parents to Elliot. He was born premature in 2015 and developed hydrocephalus, a condition that is characterized by excessive accumulation of fluid in the brain.

“Outcomes for babies with hydrocephalus vary greatly, and with his brain damage, we were told Elliot may never walk, or even crawl,” said Jana. “We were told to keep our expectations low, but we chose to see it as ‘challenge accepted.’ Elliot began receiving physical therapy in the NICU and continued once we brought him home. Milestones were slow, and at 1 year old, Elliot was not sitting up independently or even trying to crawl. We were discouraged, but he never gave up. This summer, Elliot began crawling and pulling up to a stand. He will be two in October, and we have every confidence our son will walk…an unpromised milestone.”

There is no cure for hydrocephalus, but the Crouches are working with other advocates from around the United States to find one through their support of the Hydrocephalus Association. The organization is hosting a fund-raising walk in Rogers on Sept. 2, and members of the ATU and surrounding communities can support the cause in Russellville later this month.

The Crouches have partnered with Chili’s and Dixie Cafe of Russellville for fund-raising nights. Proceeds will go to the Hydrocephalus Association in Elliot’s name.

Those wishing to support the cause may dine at Chili’s (107 N. Elmira Dr. in Russellville) from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 23, and Thursday, Aug. 24. The event at Dixie Cafe (105 E. Harrell Dr. in Russellville) is scheduled for 4-8 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 28.

Those wishing for a portion of their check from their meal to be donated to the Hydrocephalus Association must show the flyer, either in printed form on on their phones, to their server.

Access the Chili’s flyer.

Access the Dixie Cafe flyer.

Learn more about Elliot’s story.