People
Callie
Callie refuses to let hydrocephalus or seizures stop her. This fall, she begins her journey toward a Theater Arts degree and her dream career.
John
John was diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) at the age of 75. Sukey, John’s wife, shares his journey.
Wesley
Wesley’s hydrocephalus was discovered after football in high school. Now he’s living with hydrocephalus, teaching, and inspiring others with his story.
Barkley
Barkley’s story reflects perseverance, navigating life with normal pressure hydrocephalus, shunt surgeries, and setbacks with courage and hope.
Anna
Anna, diagnosed with hydrocephalus at birth, endured 18 brain surgeries and challenges, yet thrives in her career, theater, and community leadership.
Carol
Carol shares her journey with normal pressure hydrocephalus, from sudden memory loss to regaining independence after life-changing shunt surgery.
Courtney
Courtney shares her journey with acquired hydrocephalus after a TBI, inspiring hope and raising awareness for this lifelong condition.
Karen
Karen went from struggling to walk to living well with NPH after shunt surgery—and now she’s advocating to raise awareness of hydrocephalus.
Hunter
Hunter was 2 when his parents’ persistence led to his hydrocephalus diagnosis—after months of being told nothing was wrong.
Kunle
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.
Ryan
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.
Delrina
Delrina was diagnosed with hydrocephalus at age 2. Despite multiple surgeries and daily headaches, she’s grown into a leader, advocate, and lifelong learner.
In Memory of Maryam
In memory of Maryam, diagnosed with hydrocephalus before birth, Maryam’s journey highlights the critical care gaps faced by families across Africa.
Margie
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.
NeuraVita Group – 2025 Engineering Prize
Ahmad Alhayek, Neal Tsai, Jess Goldberg, and Nicholas Demetriou (NeuraVita) are developing a small, non-invasive device that attaches to shunts and uses gentle vibrations to help prevent blockages.
Yihan Wu – 2025 Engineering Prize
Yihan Wu developed a new, non-invasive MRI technique called velocity-selective spin labeling (VSSL) to safely visualize CSF flow in the brain.
Fabian Flürenbrock – 2025 Engineering Prize
Fabian Flürenbrock developed a smart shunt research platform that could be used to test CSF flow dynamics and regulate intracranial pressure.
Alia
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.
Hannah
Hannah, a twin diagnosed with hydrocephalus before birth, is defying the odds. After surgeries and setbacks, she’s now thriving in everyday life.
Jessica
Diagnosed with congenital hydrocephalus before birth, Jessica has had over 150 surgeries, but found strength and purpose through volunteering and advocacy.