In December of 2007, when Little Owen Gilliam was born, his parents already knew he had a problem. In the months and weeks leading up to his birth, his grandparents, Barbara and Tim Tilford of New Harmony, learned more than they ever wanted to know about a condition called Hydrocephalus. It is a lifelong neurological condition, there is no known cure for it. More than a million people in the United States are affected by.

"My grandson was born with severe Hydrocephalus," Tilford explained. "At the time of his diagnosis, prenatally, our family was unfamiliar with this medical term. We now know that hydrocephalus comes from Greek words: hydro means water, cephalus means head."

Hydrocephalus is an abnormal accumulation of fluid-cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF-within cavities called ventricles inside the brain. This condition may occur at any age. CSF is produced in the ventricles, circulates through the ventricular system in the brain and is absorbed into the bloodstream.

"CSF is in constant circulation and has many functions," Tilford continued. "It surrounds the brain and spinal cord and acts as a protective cushion against injury. CSF contains nutrients and proteins that are needed for the nourishment and normal function of the brain. It carries waste products away from surrounding tissues."

Hydrocephalus occurs when there is an imbalance between the amount of CSF that is produced and the rate at which it is absorbed. As the CSF builds up, it causes the ventricles to enlarge and the pressure inside the head to increase. For even more information, you may go to the Hydrocephalus Association web site at www.hydroassoc.org.

When Owen was born, his grandmother Barbara nor his mother, Sara, were able to find hats to fit Owen’s head. The hats were mandatory in an effort to keep the baby’s little head warm.

"There was a reason that Owen needed a hat. It wasn’t just for looks or even because he was born in December," Tilford explained. "It was because he was born premature, which many hydrocephalus babies are, and before he could leave the hospital, he needed to be able to maintain his body temperature. Having a larger than normal head makes this difficult, since you loose so much heat through your head."

Owen having a hat was a necessity so he could go home. So grandma decided to adapt a store-bought hat for Owen.

"My grandson needed a hat when he left the hospital. His parents made due by stretching the largest baby hat they could find," Tilford explained. "After bringing him home from the hospital, my daughter and I ‘disassembled’ a purchased hat and enlarged it for a pattern."

Then the New Harmony woman realized that there were other babies out there with the same condition and they would need hats, too. So the family and friends sprung into action. They began a charity to make hats for others.

"Inspired by my grandson, Owen Gilliam, OG Hats was created," Tilford explained. "Since April, we recruited family and friends to be our volunteer seamstresses, solicited donations from family, friends and co-workers to pay for fabric and start-up fees. We created a non-profit corporation, we have a website (www.oghats.com), and have sent out our first newsletter. Best of all, we sent out over 400 hats to 80 children’s hospitals across the United States and to individual parents that request them, all at no cost to the recipients. It’s a simple item, a hat, but it’s one less things a parent has to worry about when there’s so much to do."

On Sunday, Aug. 17, Tilford’s co-workers at the New Harmony Inn (front desk registration) and assorted family members, volunteered to help the charity cut out these hats from five bolts of fabric that have been purchased. The group cut the hats out at the New Harmony Inn Conference Center, where large tables were readily available.

"To take advantage of extra hands, we had paperwork that needed to be assembled that goes into each packet that is delivered to the hospitals," Tilford explained. "Our goal is to send out another 400 hats by the end of this year."

"I am touched that my co-workers would offer to help us achieve this goal," she said emotionally. "Without volunteers, OG Hats could not exist. When completed, we will send these precut hats to our volunteer seamstresses where we also need to recruit additional help."

If you or someone you know would be interested in helping with this worthwhile cause, you may contact Barbara Tilford at (812)-682-3991 or call the office of the Posey County News at (812)-682-3950.

On July 25, descendants of George Nokes and Dollie Evelyn Cottrell gathered in the Tri-state for a three day family reunion. The previous reunion was held in 1999 in Portland, Oregon. Strengthening family ties through food, fun and fellowship was the goal. We realized that in our day of families scattered over the globe, there is a real need to meet our relatives to form a family bond.

Donald and Lee TenBarge of Evansville were our most gracious hosts on Friday, July 25th in their unusual, interesting and accommodating west-side home.

Saturday we gathered at the Poseyville Community center to enjoy a meal catered by Marx Barbecue.

Eleanor Cottrell Eagan, the last surviving member of George N. and Dollie Cottrell’s family, thanked everyone for coming and asked us to assemble as families to have pictures taken.

Don and Priscilla Rutledge asked us to their home in Evansville for brunch on Sunday hosted by them and Don and Nancy Baker. The family pictures of our ancestors on the walls of their home were a delight to all.