Kashawn Takes Charge of His Hydrocephalus!
Posted by tom on November 28, 2011 · 21 Comments
By Kashawn Stroman
Hello, my name is Kashawn Stroman and I am 13 years old. I live in upstate NY and I am in the 8th grade. On Columbus Day 2011 I was diagnosed with hydrocephalus which was caused by tectal plate glioma (midbrain tumor). I was an active teenager playing football, basketball and volunteering at hockey games and at children’s centers until I started having extreme headaches and vomiting. Also, I have always been on the honor roll and made Jr. Honor Society, but since the beginning of school I have not been able to learn anything and my grades were very bad. My doctor said it was migraines but on Columbus Day I was volunteering at a center for kids and fell asleep sitting there so my mom knew something was not right. I had the shunt placed the next day, I was sick and had a seizure because the adjustment of the shunt was off. Things were a little bumpy the first couple weeks but things have been getting better every day, no more headaches or vomiting and my grades in school have gone from 70’s to 90’s in 2 weeks. My school, family and friends have been very supportive and I thank them every day. Ever since I was diagnosed I have wanted to try and raise awareness about hydrocephalus. I have learned not too many people know what hydrocephalus is or the effects it can have, that is why I want to get involved as much as I can. My family and I are planning to do the walk in Long Island, NY next year and I am very excited. I would love to have a walk here at my hometown too. This is all new to me and my family but we are determined to stay involved and help out in anyway. I have started a website and I am hoping to raise money for Teens Take Charge, a Hydrocephalus Association program for teens who want to make a difference and be advocates!!!! This experience has made me have a better outlook on life and what it means to have family!
It is great that you are trying to raise awareness about hydrocephalus. I work in the medicial feild myself and I have come across children with this before and I always feel sorry for them. Its good to know that people will stand up and raise money for children suffering with it.
Kashawn- You are such a strong young man and I know that you will not only triumph over your illness, but will educate and make a mark along the way. All my best to you! Nicki
Wow, I just wanted to let you know my son( also an 8th grader) has an almost identical story to yours. Just happened in 6th grade rather than 8th. He is doing great now and the tumor is still the same size. The Dr are just on a watch and wait game, but as far as the Hydro his head is back to normal aside for the shunt in his head. He enjoys playing tennis now since contact sports are out. Thanks for sharing your story. It was really something to read a story so similar to ours! Take care From San Antonio TX
Hey kashawn its thomas from school and i
just wanted to say that im so sorry for
everything thats been goin on and that i
would love to join ur fundraiser
Thank you for all your comments.. its great to haver others that know whats going on and can relate..
as of now I am having trouble with my short term memory but the doctors say as soon as my pressure is where it is best for me then it will get better..
hey kashawn its thomas from school and i just wanted to say im so sorry about
everything thats happened and that id love to join ur fundraiser
Hi Kashawn, I just found out about your illness and am so sorry a young man who is so great has to have this illness. I;m really sorry anyone has to have it. You are in my thoughts and prayers all the time. I thank you for being one of the best helpers I ever had in the library and look forward to seeing you healthy again soon. Mrs. Weiss (Brookside)
hey im glad to c u better now around school…. cant wait 4 the benefit!!!!
Oh Kashawn I’m so sorry
my brother who’s now 26 also had hydrocephalus and I know times can be hard. Just always believe you can get through it and I hope you do better 
Rubye,
Scranton, PA
ive noticed how great uv been doing lately… and WOW!! i can hardly tell what you’ve been through. ur keeping ur hopes high and always have belief in yourself, i think youll be good in no time
thomas
Oh kashawn I’m so sorry
my brother who’s now 26 was diagnosed in 2000 (just about your age) and he recovered and is now tumor free!! I hope the same happens with you and god bless you and your family 
Kashawn I’m so sorry for everything : my husband has hydrocephalus as a kid and he had tough times as well. But always have faith in what you believe in and you’ll be fine
god bless you and your family, best wishes! – Sabrina, Justin, and Hailee
Oh kashawn im so sorry
my brother whos now 26 had hydrocephalus as a kid….. but he got through it just fine! what im saying is, always have faith in what you believe in and youll do alot better… i know how depression can worsen. DONT LET THAT GET IN THE WAY! say “I WILL WIN THIS BATTLE!” justin did that and he had a miracuolus recovery. 
<3
hi kashawn its jelly im sorry….i hope u get better…and i am coming to your benifit and so is my family to support u!.. i hope u guys get as much money as u guys need if there is anything u need lit me know!!!!
ooh yeah I’m working at ur benefit tomorrow and im wearing my blue shirt and bracelet to support u and all the other ppl out there with hydrocephalus!!
Hi Kashawn! What a brave and inspiring young man you are! I remember many times having you in class as I was substituting in the middle school – you are an awesome person and just a delight and I have moved to Syr but send you blessings and prayers for a full recovery! Good luck today at your event.
Its amazing to see children, including my 16 year old daughter go through hydrocephalus and never let that get in the way. My daughter was just like you, good grades, helping out with the community until August 2009. She was diagnosed and she always had a beautiful smile on her face all the way. She still has regular check ups but shes doing fine now, just like you! I guess god chooses the most innocent people
- Madi and Hannah, New Smyrna Beach FL
hi kashawn, i know all of what youve been through, because ive been battling hydrocephalus since 2006. your story is so inspiring to me and my friends and family. right now im about to go to the hospital for a check up, and from the last visit they said everything will probably be fine. trust me, its life changing to hear those words from your doctor, and i hope you get that message soon
<3 tamara
Madison, ur right! and it isn’t just ur daughter or kashawn, but everyone else who least deserves it!! that I just don’t understand and that needs to change
Hey kashawn saw u today in that limo… lucky.. lol have a great time in hawaii!