About HRG

Who We Are
Today there are approximately 16 guild members ranging from parents of children with hydrocephalus, some children with hydrocephalus who are junior guild members to friends and family members of those affected by pediatric hydrocephalus in the Northwest.  Officers are Lori Poliski, president, Yvonne Blumenthal, treasurer, Martha Lehnert, secretary and Leslie Kempthorne, membership chair.

HRG was founded by Lori Poliski and Paul Gross, proud parents of William, age 2, who has had five brain surgeries to date due to hydrocephalus.  The motivation came from desperation and lack of control over their son’s medical condition but after extended analysis of the state of hydrocephalus treatment and research they came to realize that perhaps the best advocates for children affected by hydrocephalus are concerned parents, family and friends who band together to create change.  “I wish I could switch places with him…I would give my life if it would mean a normal, healthy life without hydrocephalus for William – we never know when he will vomit for one hour or 30, go to the hospital for dehydration,  have a seizure, suffer headaches or at worst need another brain surgery” said his mother.

What is a Guild
Children's Hospital Guild Association is the largest all-volunteer fundraising network for any hospital in the nation. It serves as the umbrella organization for nearly 500 groups of friends, family, co-workers and community members who donate their time and resources to support Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center (Children's). Located in Seattle, Washington, Children's Hospital treats children in Washington, Alaska, Montana, Idaho and beyond. The Guild Association has been integral to the success of Children's Hospital for over 100 years.

What is Our Relationship to Children’s Hospital
HRG is a special interest guild that was started in June, 2006 and has fundraised over $70,000 to date for hydrocephalus researcChildren'sh. It has a strong connection to the Children’s neurosurgery department and works closely with the doctors, nurses, and researchers all working to advance the state of pediatric hydrocephalus research. Children's is one of the few pediatric hospitals around the country that is combining its clinical practice with bench science from the University of Washington and Children's to find a cure. HRG through Children’s is a 501 C3 non profit organization and our tax ID number is 91-1394056. 100% of donations to HRG go directly to hydrocephalus research at the hospital.

HRG
PO Box 141
Woodinville, WA 98072
info@hydroresearch.org
www.hydroresearch.org
425-482-0479

Lori Poliski, President
Yvonne Blumenthal, Treasurer
Martha Lehnert, Secretary
Leslie Kempthorne, Membership Chair