Obituary Notice – Björn Ründström

Much to our sadness, we learnt that recently IF founding father, Björn Ründström (1926-2025) passed away, surrounded by his family in Uppsala, Sweden.

Björn was a pioneer in advocacy for persons affected by Spina Bifida and or Hydrocephalus (SBH) and their families. Under Björn’s inspiring leadership, a solid foundation was laid for the International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus organisation during this pioneering phase. He was a source of inspiration for us to continue our mission to improve the quality of life of persons affected by SBH and their families.

Friends and colleagues will remember him for his activism in the disability movement in over 60 years. He was responsible for organising the very first IF International Conferences on SBH in 1979, as well as the ones that followed. Over a period of 17 years, he had been the IF President. Upon stepping down, he continued his active support to the IF Annual Reports until 2001. Optimistic and determined, he was pleased to see successes but always pointed out on the need that more work neeeds to be done. He described his biggest success being that what he started is still alive and active. His actions will continue now in others.