Hello!  I am Margaret Hackett and I have Chiari I, Syringomyelia, and hydrocephalus, all stemming from a rare bone disease called craniometaphyseal dysplasia, which I was born with.  I have had over 40 surgeries, most of them done by Dr. Frim at the University of Chicago Hospital.  Today, I am in a power chair, with limited feeling from the neck down.

 I am all too proud to be a part of the Connect group, to be able to reach out to others who are on a similar path with the idea that we can share what we have learned and make ourselves a resource to others. I know how daunting and overwhelming this entire experience can seem at times, which only speaks to the importance of the Connect group.  Come and see for yourself!

I have been involved with MHFP for about a year, and truly believe in the mission, since my life is impacted by a CSF anomaly. I am a mom of 3 daughters and caregiver for one of my adult daughters and that has allowed me to become a wealth of knowledge and love to share my knowledge with others. I love to spending time with my family and I am always up for a great adventure especially if it brings some good laughs.

Hi my name is Mia! I am 22 years old and have hydrocephalus and cerebral palsy. I currently am in school to become an MRI technician and I love to travel, try new resteraunts and learn languages! I currently speak Italian and am learning Portuguese.

I have been with the MHFP for a little over 2 years now! At first I was apart of the group and then I become a group leader later on. Not only have I found amazing connections with others like me but I have also just enjoyed my time with MHFP in general!