my sister is 24 and has severe hydro and a shunt. she is so miserably sad because she has never had a boyfriend and sadly wants one. how or where can she go to meet and or eventually date others like her? does she have to live a life unhappy and single? she is only human. please help us.

Hey Lisamarie,
I fully understand your dilemma and no, she does NOT 'have to live a life unhappy and single'. I'm in Australia and I'm not sure about American social services system. But I work with people with disabilities and I have hydro, we have a number of social services that have 'Club nights' for the clients to be able to socialise with like minded people. There are discos, art and craft nights, bowling groups and all sorts of other social activities to help people feel as part of the community and less isolated.
Now finding these individual groups can be a challenge. Some are run through illness specific groups ie Down Syndrome Support. Some are run through hospitals, church groups and youth/community centres. If you can find a decent support service within your area they should be able to link you up a service to meet your needs, as they work in the field they will know of the other services available to you.

Some may have fairly strict criteria so don't be discouraged if some say 'No'. If you can find other families in a similar situation to your own, then networking with them to share any knowledge that maybe able to assist you and in return your information may just be what they have been hunting for. Linking up with others families and carers can be a HUGE resource for both you, your sister and other families.
Now you could start with a hydro association, but depending on the level of disability your sister has, a disability association maybe more appropriate. These are all things you may need to assess yourself, but again don't be discouraged, there is a service out there to meet your needs. You just have to find it.
Good luck with it all and let us know how you get on.
Merl1n