The Founders

The founders, Jim and Linda Mazzetti, have a son who was born with the condition of hydrocephalus. Being teachers, (Jim has a Masters Degree in Environmental Science and Linda has a Masters Degree in Health Services Administration), they set out to educate themselves on hydrocephalus so that they would be prepared and to help their son in any way possible. They spent hours at libraries, met with other parents and, started a support group in which they shared the new information they learned. Soon other families from neighboring cities and states began calling Jim and Linda in order to educate themselves. In 1979, it was decided to file the necessary paperwork and make Know Problems of Hydrocephalus (the original name of National Hydrocephalus Foundation) a non-profit, nationwide group. Jim and Linda are both still active with the organization. Their son, J.D., holds a Master's Degree in Psychology and is working for the state of Wisconsin.

The Executive Director

Debbi Fields was diagnosed with hydrocephalus as an adult. Her neurosurgeon felt that she had mostly likely been born with the condition and that she became symptomatic when her body was unable to compensate for it any longer.

Shortly after Debbi was implanted with her shunt, she set out on a quest to educate herself on hydrocephalus and to (hopefully) meet and interact with others whose lives were affected by hydrocephalus - both children and adults. Finding very little in the local libraries, she contacted state and government agencies to obtain information. While doing this research, she encountered a magazine, which had an article on "Self Help Groups." She bought the magazine and found the listing for the National Hydrocephalus Foundation. She called and made contact with the executive director, Warren Barshes - who not only sent her educational material, but also personally contacted her and answered all of her questions. She then became NHF's adult peer contact, so that she could assist other adults with hydrocephalus and/or their families. Debbi started a local support group in 1992 for families and individuals dealing with hydrocephalus. Debbi became the executive director of National Hydrocephalus Foundation in 1997.

Board of Directors

Medical Board of Advisory