Coast to Coast for Hydrocephalus – An Amazing Family’s Journey
Todd, Jennifer and Elizabeth Touchberry
November 17, 2023, marked the beginning of an extraordinary expedition for the Touchberry Family, a voyage that would redefine their lives. Their mission? To drive across the country in their century-old Model T Ford, a symbolic quest advocating for awareness and critical funding for hydrocephalus – a condition that profoundly touched their daughter, Elizabeth.
Did they achieve their ambitious goal? Absolutely! Defying all odds, the Touchberry Family accomplished the seemingly impossible, navigating from Hunting Island, SC, to the shores of Huntington Beach, CA, in a record-breaking 12 days. Their cross-country trek wasn’t merely a physical feat; it epitomized resilience, determination, and an emotional rollercoaster of experiences.
Elizabeth’s journey living with hydrocephalus began with a challenging diagnosis in utero, which cast a shadow of uncertainty. Doctors offered discouraging odds, even suggesting termination of the pregnancy, but for her parents, terminating was never an option. Their unwavering love propelled them forward, embracing the amazing child they were blessed with.
The Touchberry Family Making it to Their Final Destination, Huntington Beach, CA!
At 21, Elizabeth’s story is one of defying the odds. Despite initial projections, she spent just ten days in the NICU, underwent her first brain surgery at two days old to alleviate excess pressure from accumulating cerebrospinal fluid, and courageously braved 19 surgeries, most before her 13th birthday.
The idea for this epic coast-to-coast journey sparked when the Touchberry family acquired two Ford Model-Ts, uncovering a historic tradition of transcontinental travel in these iconic vehicles. Their vision was to honor Elizabeth while advancing hydrocephalus research. Fast forward to November 2023, Todd and Elizabeth’s stepmom, Jennifer, embarked on the road in their Model T, averaging 34 miles per hour. They were accompanied by a dedicated crew and a second 1923 Ford Model T for quick roadside assistance.
Their voyage was more than miles covered; it was an expedition filled with remarkable encounters and a constant connection to many members of the hydrocephalus community. Including close family friends and HydroWarrior Harper. She was diagnosed with hydrocephalus at birth and is now seven years old. Up until now, her journey involved a single brain surgery at six weeks old, involving a minor incision near her hairline. The procedure aimed to enhance ventricle drainage efficiency.
Todd and Jennifer Touchberry, & HydroWarrior Shane and his Family.
A poignant moment unfolded in Palm Springs, CA, as they met HydroWarrior Shane, an 11-year-old living with Dandy-Walker malformation and hydrocephalus. Shane was diagnosed with hydrocephalus at age 2. He has had one brain surgery to manage his hydrocephalus – an Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV) to create an opening in the floor of the third ventricle in the brain. This allows cerebrospinal fluid trapped in the brain’s ventricles to escape into its normal pathway. Shane’s resilience and his journey of bravery resonated deeply with the Touchberry family.
Reflecting on their emotional journey, Todd shared, “Words can’t describe the roller-coaster of emotions that this fundraising tour has had on me and my family. I often use the hashtag #FriendsAreFamily. I’m blessed with having a national network of people that went above and beyond to help find parts or better routes while planning our #coast2coast4hydrocephalus trip. I can’t thank my immediate family (Jennifer, Elizabeth, Addison, Will, and my father-in-law) enough for allowing me and at times encouraging me, to plan this crazy adventure. A huge thank you to “The Crazy Crew” for taking time away from their family, friends and jobs – Patrick, Philip, and Jasmin. I can only hope for continued support for the Hydrocephalus Association from everyone that we have talked with, laughed with, hugged and cried with. This was the biggest adventure yet…..”
Their mission wasn’t just a road trip; it was an odyssey, aiming to raise awareness across the country and $10 per mile for the Hydrocephalus Association. Remarkably, their efforts, including trip expenses, have garnered over $30k, with hope to raise more.
As we read Todd’s heartfelt words, the question lingers: what’s next for this remarkable family? Stay tuned for the continuation of their inspiring journey.
For more information on the Coast to Coast Tour and to donate: https://www.hydroassoc.org/coast-2-coast/
You can also follow Todd Touchberry on Facebook for exciting updates! https://www.facebook.com/todd.touchberry