Conquering the Swiss Alps for the iNPH Community

As Hydrocephalus Awareness Month is recognized this September, Charl De Klerk, Integra LifeSciences' vice president EMEA-CALA, took on an extraordinary challenge to help raise awareness of idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (iNPH), a treatable condition that remains significantly underdiagnosed.

To support Shine, the UK charity dedicated to helping people affected by hydrocephalus and their families, Charl completed the demanding Swiss Epic mountain bike race, covering more than 335 kilometers across the Swiss Alps over five days and conquering more than 10,000 meters of elevation gain. The achievement required months of preparation, determination, and resilience.

Charl's personal initiative reflects Integra's longstanding commitment to the hydrocephalus and iNPH communities. For many years, Integra LifeSciences has partnered with Shine to help advance awareness, education, and support for people living with hydrocephalus and their families. Through these efforts, we continue to support greater understanding of iNPH, a condition that can affect mobility, balance, cognition, and bladder control in older adults.

His challenge serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of recognizing the symptoms of iNPH and helping more people access appropriate diagnosis and treatment. It also highlights the passion of Integra LifeSciences colleagues who work every day to support patients through innovation, education, advocacy, and patient care.

As we mark Hydrocephalus Awareness Month, we congratulate Charl on this remarkable accomplishment and thank our colleagues and partners, including Shine, for their continued dedication to the hydrocephalus community. Together, we remain committed to raising awareness and improving the lives of people affected by hydrocephalus and iNPH.