In Harry’s Name
At 36 weeks pregnant, Caroline Coates was told that her son, Harry would be born with an arachnoid cyst. Shortly after his birth, it was discovered that due to the cyst, Harry was also suffering from hydrocephalus, a neurological condition caused by an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the ventricles of the brain. Harry underwent his first brain surgery at just eight weeks old.
Harry’s neurosurgeon knew a hydrocephalus shunt system would need to be implanted to deflate the cyst, which was located at the back of his head and was blocking normal CSF flow in the brain. Like many children with this condition, Harry’s treatment was far from straightforward. He has undergone several surgeries in relation to his shunt. Harry now has a fixed pressure valve with a catheter.
Knowing that it would be a lifelong condition for Harry, his parents wanted to educate themselves about hydrocephalus. However, they discovered it was difficult to find information and receive the support needed to best care for their son. And from that, Harry’s Hydrocephalus Awareness Trust (Harry’s HAT) was founded in 2018, by Harry’s family and friends. Harry’s HAT aims to improve the lives of children with hydrocephalus, as well as for their loved ones.
Today, Harry is an active, funny, tenacious little boy. He enjoys school, loves to play soccer and lives each day to its fullest!
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The statements of those featured in the video are their own and given without compensation. As a registered charity in the UK, Harry’s Hydrocephalus Awareness Trust has previously received grants from The Integra Foundation, however , the Trust does not in any way endorse the use of products sold or manufactured by medical device companies, including Integra LifeSciences.