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View All PostsTaking a Bite Out of Hydrocephalus
One Stroke at a Time
We swim challenging open waters to fund breakthrough hydrocephalus research. Every dollar donated goes directly to finding a cure.
~$2M
Raised for Research
16
Research Grants Funded
1000+
Swim Completions
Our Mission
Swimming to fund the cure for a devastating brain condition
Team Hydro is dedicated to finding a cure for hydrocephalus, a life-threatening brain condition that affects over one million Americans. We swim from Alcatraz Island to San Francisco and tackle other challenging open water swims to raise funds and awareness.
Thanks to volunteers and independent support, every penny from our events goes 100% to research. We welcome swimmers, sponsors, and supporters at all levels—everyone can make a difference.
Kate's Story—Our Inspiration
Team Hydro was founded in 2008 by her family, inspired by Kate, who battled hydrocephalus with extraordinary courage. Kate endured over 150 brain surgeries and lived with chronic pain before passing away at age 26 in November 2010.
Despite her struggles, Kate filled every life she touched with hope, love, and gratitude. Just months before her death, Team Hydro raised enough to sponsor our first research grant in her honor.
Why This Matters
Hydrocephalus is a life-threatening condition that occurs when cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the brain, causing dangerous pressure. Without treatment, it leads to coma or death. Current treatments typically involve brain surgery to implant a device called a shunt. Shunts often fail, leaving patients facing repeated emergency surgeries.
Affects 1 million+ Americans
No cure exists
60% of children with hydrocephalus
will never live independently
50% of shunts fail within 2 years
requiring emergency brain surgery
Leading cause of brain surgery
in children
40,000 surgeries yearly
One every 13 minutes
$1 billion annual cost
Only $1 million in NIH funding
Our Swims
Challenging waters, determined swimmers, life-changing research
Alcatraz Swim
San Francisco Bay
Our flagship event! Swimmers brave 1.8+ miles of icy currents from the infamous Alcatraz Island to San Francisco's Aquatic Park through the frigid waters of San Francisco Bay.
1.8+ miles
55-65°F water
Annual
Learn More
Community Events
Dolphin Dash & Penguin Challenges
We partner with swim teams, clubs, and individuals nationwide to host community fundraising events, including the Dolphin Dash and other swimming challenges that raise hydrocephalus awareness.
Learn MoreSpecial Swims
Washington DC & Boston Harbor
In some years, we have expanded our mission nationwide with challenging swims in Washington DC and Boston Harbor, bringing hydrocephalus awareness directly to policymakers and new communities.
Learn MoreResearch Impact
Funding breakthrough research toward a cure
Our Research Philosophy
We fund research with the potential to cure hydrocephalus, not just improve current treatments. This includes projects exploring the basic biology of the disease, identifying root causes, and developing innovative therapeutic approaches that could change everything.
Nearly $2,000,000
Raised for hydrocephalus research
16+ Grants Funded
Supporting labs worldwide
$16+ Million
In follow-up grants our labs secured
100% to Research
All funding goes directly to research
We partner with the Hydrocephalus Association to ensure all research meets the highest standards. Every grant application undergoes rigorous review by doctors, researchers, and neuroscience experts before receiving funding consideration.
See Our Funded Research GrantsStay Connected
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