2nd annual Reef's Run for Hydrocephalus Awareness returns to Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The 2nd annual Reef’s Run for Hydrocephalus Awareness will be held at Round Hill Pines Resort on Sunday, September 8 at 8:30 a.m.

The run is in support of Reef Woldt, a three-year-old South Lake Tahoe boy with hydrocephalus, and all others will the condition that affects more than one million Americans.

Reef was born nine weeks early on June 17, 2016. He was transferred from Barton Memorial Hospital to UC Davis Children’s Hospital where he and his parents spent the next 62 days. Among other complications, Reef developed hydrocephalus, which is an abnormal build-up of spinal fluid in the ventricles deep within the brain. The extra spinal fluid puts pressure on the brain, which enlarges the head, and can lead to brain damage.

The only treatment for hydrocephalus is brain surgery, primarily with the use of shunts. The method was developed over 50 years ago but has one of the highest failure rates of any surgically implanted device. It’s estimated that 80 percent of all shunts fail, and 50 percent of those fail in the first two years. Reef had his first shunt placed when he was less than a month old, and before he was 17 months old he experienced five malfunctions, all requiring brain surgery, and ultimately the addition of another shunt. The shortest time in between revisions up to that point was four weeks, but Reef is currently holding strong with 20 consecutive months of no brain surgery!

Unfortunately, many others battling hydrocephalus are not faring as well, and there is still no cure. Reef’s Run on September 8 is designed to make a positive impact on this extremely tough situation that affects families from coast to coast, and all net proceeds from the event will go to charities actively searching for a cure, charities helping families in need and directly to families in need on a word of mouth basis.

The run starts and ends at Round Hill Pines Resort. Costumes in "hydrocephalus blue" are encouraged for all ages on this 5K/fun run/walk/stroll through picturesque Lake Tahoe. Following the run there will be a silent auction, lake plunge, face painting for the kids, food, music, and more.

This unique event will spread smiles, a sense of community and a winning spirit. Last year’s event featured 144 runners and hosted over 200 people for the silent auction. Reef’s Run not only raises awareness for hydrocephalus, which affects 1-2 in every 1,000 babies born, but it will also raise funds to support research for a much-needed cure. As brain surgery remains the only treatment for the condition, approximately 40,000 operations are performed annually, which equates to one every 15 minutes.

Partnership opportunities are available and donations for the silent auction are greatly appreciated. Your help will certainly make a large impact and we will promote your company throughout the event.

To sign up, visit https://www.reefsrun.com/. Cost is $50 but participants can save $5 if registered before August 24.

About this year’s Honoree – Bennett Figone

Bennett Figone had quite the start in life. He and his twin sister, Savannah, were born at 23 weeks and 3 days, to Sydney and Greg Figone of Anderson, Calif. Weighing only 1lb 3oz at birth, Bennett spent 132 days in the NICU at UC Davis Children’s Hospital. During that time he persevered through a spontaneous liver rupture, and an inguinal hernia—both of which required surgery— multiple blood transfusions, PDA, Bilateral Intraventricular Hemorrhage—which led to Hydrocephalus— Pulmonary Hypertension, Respiratory Distress Syndrome—which required he, and his sister, be kept on “quarantine” for two full years and the following winter, and much more. While Savannah was discharged on their original due date, August 11th, 2016, Bennett stayed for another 17 days. On August 24th, 2016 Bennett had brain surgery to place his shunt and was finally discharged on August 28th, 2016. The Figone’s are lucky enough to have a team of specialists and early intervention services in home weekly. Bennett has been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and Autism and requires the use of special braces to help him walk. Through it all, he remains a funny, loving, and determined 3-year-old who deserves a future free from the worry of a shunt malfunction. Everyone deserves a cure.

Any direct cash/check donations will be accepted through Reef’s Race for a Cure Foundation.

Sponsored by Constellation Brands, Round Hill Pines Resort, Tahoe Cakes by Grace, Elements Day Spa, Crystal Dairy, Rotary of Tahoe Douglas, Getaway Magazine, Elevated Fitness, Feather Lash & Brow Boutique, Eagle Protect PBC, and Sierra Design Company.

For any questions please contact Sarah Woldt or Kimberly Riddle at Reefsrun@gmail.com