On Aug. 10, Malvern native Peter Finlayson will lead a brave group of 80 swimmers for the two-mile swim from Alcatraz Island to San Francisco for the 20th annual Alcatraz Swim for Hydrocephalus Research, writes Bruce Adams for The Daily Local News.
Hydrocephalus is a buildup of excess spinal fluid in the brain, which can be fatal. It affects 1 million Americans. There is no cure and treatments require invasive brain surgery.
Finlayson’s younger sister Kate died in 2010 from a hydrocephalus-induced infection after surgery.
“Kate lived for years in chronic pain associated with her hydrocephalus,” said Finlayson. “Despite her struggles, Kate filled the lives of those around her with hope, love, and gratitude until the day she passed.” Kate’s two brothers, Sam and Peter formed Team Hydro in 2008 to take the swim.
Since then, Team Hydro has raised more than $1.7 million for research and has supported research grants in the United States, Australia, Greece, and Canada. The team has completed over 1,000 Alcatraz-San Francisco swims.
Team Hydro operates fully on a volunteer basis and has no paid staff, so all the money raised goes completely to hydrocephalus research.
Read more about the Alcatraz Swim for Hydrocephalus Research at The Daily Local News.
_______
