Hydrocephalus Stories from Our Community

Read stories of people living with hydrocephalus (Patients and Caregivers). These amazing individuals are living life to the fullest regardless of the challenges the condition brings. Want to share your own story of resilience?

Lilien

Diagnosed at 3 Months

Lilien

Story Written by Self

By Sierra Smith October 23, 2025

Lilien was diagnosed with hydrocephalus at 3 months old and has undergone 11 surgeries. Now 21, she’s thriving in her third year of medical school in Austria.

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Callie

Diagnosed at 10

Callie

Story Written by Self

By Sierra Smith September 29, 2025

Callie refuses to let hydrocephalus or seizures stop her. This fall, she begins her journey toward a Theater Arts degree and her dream career.

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John, normal pressure hydrocephalus, NPH

Diagnosed at 75

John

Story Written by Wife

By JennBechard September 25, 2025

John was diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) at the age of 75. Sukey, John’s wife, shares his journey.

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Wesley, Living with hydrocephalus

Diagnosed at 16

Wesley

Story Written by Author/Self

By JennBechard September 24, 2025

Wesley’s hydrocephalus was discovered after football in high school. Now he’s living with hydrocephalus, teaching, and inspiring others with his story.

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Barkley

Diagnosed at 64

Barkley

Story Written by Self

By Sierra Smith August 22, 2025

Barkley’s story reflects perseverance, navigating life with normal pressure hydrocephalus, shunt surgeries, and setbacks with courage and hope.

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Anna

Diagnosed At Birth

Anna

Story Written by Self

By Sierra Smith August 22, 2025

Anna, diagnosed with hydrocephalus at birth, endured 18 brain surgeries and challenges, yet thrives in her career, theater, and community leadership.

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Carol

Diagnosed at 73

Carol

Story Written by Self

By Sierra Smith August 18, 2025

Carol shares her journey with normal pressure hydrocephalus, from sudden memory loss to regaining independence after life-changing shunt surgery.

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Courtney

Diagnosed at 18

Courtney

Story Written by Self

By Sierra Smith August 18, 2025

Courtney shares her journey with acquired hydrocephalus after a TBI, inspiring hope and raising awareness for this lifelong condition.

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Karen

Diagnosed at 75

Karen

Story Written by Self

By Sierra Smith August 18, 2025

Karen went from struggling to walk to living well with NPH after shunt surgery—and now she’s advocating to raise awareness of hydrocephalus.

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Hunter

Diagnosed at 2

Hunter

Story Written by Mother

By Sierra Smith August 12, 2025

Hunter was 2 when his parents’ persistence led to his hydrocephalus diagnosis—after months of being told nothing was wrong.

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Kunle

Diagnosed At Birth

Kunle

Story Written by Self

By Sierra Smith July 31, 2025

Kunle was born with hydrocephalus in Nigeria. Despite barriers to care and years of hardship, he found his voice as a writer, advocate, and changemaker.

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Ryan

Diagnosed at 4

Ryan

Story Written by Self

By Sierra Smith July 31, 2025

Ryan lived most of his life unaware he had hydrocephalus. After years of misdiagnoses, one neurosurgeon’s insight saved his life and changed his story.

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Delrina

Diagnosed at 2

Delrina

Story Written by Self

By Sierra Smith July 18, 2025

Delrina was diagnosed with hydrocephalus at age 2. Despite multiple surgeries and daily headaches, she’s grown into a leader, advocate, and lifelong learner.

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Maryam SYS

Diagnosed In-utero

In Memory of Maryam

Story Written by Mother

By Sierra Smith July 16, 2025

In memory of Maryam, diagnosed with hydrocephalus before birth, Maryam’s journey highlights the critical care gaps faced by families across Africa.

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Margie, an adult living with hydrocephalus

Diagnosed at 8 Months

Margie

Story Written by Self

By Sierra Smith June 11, 2025

Diagnosed with hydrocephalus at 8 months, Margie defied the odds. Now 32, she climbs mountains, hosts a podcast, and proves she’s more than able.

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Alia Featured Image

Diagnosed At Birth

Alia

Story Written by Self

By Sierra Smith May 8, 2025

Alia, born with hydrocephalus, endured years of complex surgeries. With faith and family by her side, she’s overcome the odds and continues to inspire.

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Hannah, a twin with hydrocephalus

Diagnosed In-utero

Hannah

Story Written by Mother

By Sierra Smith May 2, 2025

Hannah, a twin diagnosed with hydrocephalus before birth, is defying the odds. After surgeries and setbacks, she’s now thriving in everyday life.

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Jessica, congenital hydrocephalus

Diagnosed In-utero

Jessica

Story Written by Self

By Sierra Smith May 2, 2025

Diagnosed with congenital hydrocephalus before birth, Jessica has had over 150 surgeries, but found strength and purpose through volunteering and advocacy.

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Harry SYS

Diagnosed at 70

Harry

Story Written by Self

By Sierra Smith April 4, 2025

Misdiagnosed with Parkinson’s, Harry fought for the right diagnosis—NPH. Now, he’s rebuilding his life with therapy, community, and renewed independence.

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Marcio SYS

Diagnosed In-utero

Marcio

Story Written by Self

By Sierra Smith April 4, 2025

From overcoming medical hurdles in Brazil to pursuing a degree in medicine, Marcio’s hydrocephalus journey is one of resilience, perseverance, and hope.

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Janay SYS 1 1

Diagnosed at 8

Janay

Story Written by Self

By Sierra Smith April 3, 2025

Diagnosed at 8, Janay has endured 200+ shunt revisions. Now, she’s advocating, supporting others, and refusing to let hydrocephalus define her.

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Colton Brill

Diagnosed at 16 days

Colton

Story Written by Mother

By Sierra Smith April 3, 2025

Born premature, Colton faced hydrocephalus and multiple shunt surgeries. Now, at almost three, he’s thriving and two years shunt failure-free!

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Sarah SYS 1

Diagnosed at 4 months

Sarah

Story Written by Self

By Sierra Smith March 26, 2025

Sarah was diagnosed with hydrocephalus at four months, facing surgeries and challenges. Now a mother, she lives each day with strength and purpose.

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Ayana SYS 1 2

Diagnosed at 12

Ayana

Story Written by Self

By Sierra Smith March 20, 2025

Ayana was diagnosed with hydrocephalus at age 12.Through 15 brain surgeries, she found strength, hope, and purpose.

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