Kids & Family

Fighting for Health and for Others: Carli and Kevin Clement

From the Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation

When talking with 16-year-old Carli Clement, you would not see or know the battle that she is fighting each day to stay healthy, out of the hospital, and alive. The scars and stitch marks on her head that are hidden by her blond hair are the result of over 50 brain surgeries she has already had in her battle.

Carli, of Yorktown Heights, suffers from an incurable brain condition called Hydrocephalus, which is a condition in which excessive fluid gathers in the brain, abnormally widening spaces and placing potentially harmful pressure on brain tissues.  It occurs in approximately one of every 500 births and in over one million Americans today.  Due to the lack of advancements in treatment, many affected individuals are left unable to lead full and productive lives.  Untreated Hydrocephalus could be fatal.

Because of his daughter, Kevin Clement wanted to get more involved in helping to raise awareness and money to fund research projects in this rarely talked about and too often neglected brain condition. 

Find out what's happening in Yorktown-Somerswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

When Kevin saw that Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation was looking to expand its presence in New York, he reached out and asked about taking on the responsibility of a State Director for the all-volunteer organization. 

“I chose to get involved with the PHF for two very simple, personal reasons.  I want to be able to make a difference in my daughter Carli’s life and others living with Hydrocephalus.  And just as important, I firmly believe in the way the PHF goes about their business.  With the PHF being comprised of all Volunteers, it means all monies raised go directly to making a difference in the lives of others, not to cover salaries and high administrative costs like many other non-profits”, Kevin said.

Find out what's happening in Yorktown-Somerswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Carli has also been active, having founded “Carli’s Angels”, and supporting the Hydrocephalus community by providing a loud, positive and active voice for awareness and raising money to fund a cure.

   

The Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation, an all-volunteer non-profit 501(c) (3) charitable organization, educates the community by creating awareness about Hydrocephalus.  PHF, with 35 state chapters, provides support to families, friends and children affected by this incurable brain condition.  PHF assists the medical community by raising funds to search for treatment options, and ultimately, a cure.  PHF advocates on behalf of members while working with policy makers at the State and Federal levels to push for more research and support in the fight against Hydrocephalus. Since 2010, PHF has awarded $245,000 in grants and donations to Hospitals, Neuroscience Institutes and Medical Research Centers for research and education. This September marks the 6thAnniversary of National Hydrocephalus Awareness Month. For more information about how you can help and to learn more about Carli’s battle, please visit HydrocephalusKids.org and to make donations to the New York Chapter PHF, please visit Active.com/donate/phfny.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here