MAY 2009
STARS-kids mission is to provide seed funding for qualified research projects. Through generous contributors, STARS-kids has been able to provide such funding to projects that are tackling fundamental, but intricate, issues that may lead to a greater understanding of hydrocephalus. We are pleased to report that since December of 2004, we have provided $458,700 to assist in funding thirteen different projects.
Grants are awarded to qualified applicants in two funding cycles per year. STARS-kids grants are designed to provide initial funding to produce workable data. This important data can generate and/or support financial assistance from larger, long-term funding sources. STARS-kids' grant awards are typically $25,000 per year, for two years. Special funding may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
There is a need for multidisciplinary interaction and support to understand the complications and intricacies of hydrocephalus management and treatment. STARS-kids unique role in the business of hydrocephalus and shunt research funding is linking individual contributors and corporate donators, with research professionals around the country. We directly support the efforts of dedicated individuals at these qualified educational institutions whom are applying new technologies and techniques to improve outcomes for those with hydrocephalus. Through our contacts and publicity, we have also been able to connect research centers with one another.
June 1, 2008 Funding Cycle
• $12,500 was awarded to Dr. J. Pat McAllister, III and Carolyn Black, BSE at the University of Utah for their proposal “Novel Methods to Reduce Cather Obstruction in Treating Hydrocephalus” which will provide research data on the their theory that if the shunt catheter’s surface characteristics and environmental compatibility can be modified, then they can successfully reduce device impairments. If their theory is successful they hope to be able to prevent shunt malfunction through the reduction of cellular adhesion.
• $15,000 was awarded to Dr. J. Pat McAllister, III and Edward Bell, BS at the University of Utah for their proposal “Biomechanical Properties of Brain Tissue in Hydrocephalus”. The research that will take place is to provide data that will lead to a greater understanding of the quantitative values of brain tissue in patients with hydrocephalus. This data can then be used to improve clinical decision-making by creating a more accurate model of the effects of hydrocephalus on brain tissue.
December 1, 2008 Funding Cycle
• $25,000 second year funding was awarded to Henry Ford Health System to study the role of osmotic gradients in the pathogenesis of hydrocephalus. This will complete the two-year study by Dr. Satish Krishnamurthy to determine the role of excess particulates in the hydrocephalic brain that produces an abnormal osmotic gradient. Dr. Li, at WSU, is a vital co-contributor to the project. Dr. McAllister, is also part of the research team.
• $29,200 second year funding was awarded to SUNY-Stony Brook for an intricate capillary imaging study to determine the impact of impaired cerebrovascular function in communicating hydrocephalus based on the midterm report submitted by Dr. Mark Wagshul. By the end of the two-year study, differentiation should be identified between short- and long-term scenarios. Dr. Li and Dr. McAllister will provide laboratory support and utilize this critical information in future basic research model development.
• $25,000 was award to Janet Miller, PhD for research at Central Michigan University based on her proposal “The Temporal Relationship of Protein-Gene Interactions in Congenital Hydrocephalus” which will build on the research that she completed with a previous STARS-kids grant in which gene relationships were the focus. The new research project will focus on the protein/gene relationship that may lead to better treatment and a better understanding of the pathophysiology of hydrocephalus.
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