I have hydrocephalus

James recounts his journey navigating academic success and personal growth while living with hydrocephalus. His story underscores resilience and the call for improved support.

At the age of 10 months, Kyleigh was diagnosed with obstructive hydrocephalus, also known as non-communicating hydrocephalus. She developed hydrocephalus from a tectal glioma (brain tumor).

Marcos acquired hydrocephalus at 3 days old due to a brain bleed. Growing up with hydrocephalus, he faced multiple surgeries and hospital stays. But those challenges led him to his life mission!

In high school, football player Wesley got some shocking news. He was diagnosed with hydrocephalus and told to stop playing football. However, he didn’t let that stop him from living life to the fullest. Today, he’s an elementary and middle school teacher and an advocate for the condition.

Morgan struggled for years with debilitating symptoms that no one could explain until finally being diagnosed with hydrocephalus. Now, her struggle continues to get better even after her shunt placement but she refuses to give up hope.

Despite the headaches, vertigo and learning challenges caused by her hydrocephalus, Elis is studying to pursue her dream of becoming a lawyer and loves trying new adventures!

Cathy had always experienced headaches. But in 2018 a laughing fit sent her to the emergency room, where she learned she had hydrocephalus.

Samantha lived her entire life with a shunt to treat her hydrocephalus until an emergency trip to the hospital at age 22 changed everything.

Danielle spent years with debilitating symptoms that caused her to struggle in school and life. Eventually as an adult, she was treated for hydrocephalus and it changed her life.

Jacob grew up with learning disabilities due to his hydrocephalus. However, he eventually figured out a way to turn his challenges into a gift for himself and others as a tool for memory retrieval and later behavior management, life skills and so much more.

Wali was in and out of the hospital frequently as a child due to his hydrocephalus, and then again when he was older. But that didn’t stop him from pushing hard in school. Today, he’s doing what he loves to do and is the proud owner of an IT company.

I have learned that no matter what I’m going through, I can have a positive attitude and a determination to overcome any obstacle I meet.

James has always been fearless. He never let his hydrocephalus stop him from climbing mountains or volunteering to build houses in Cambodia. Even after a physical set back, he’s determined to continue living life and giving back.

Brenna’s life was turned upside down after she developed hydrocephalus six years ago. But after undergoing brain surgery for a shunt, she refused to let her condition stop her from enjoying the outdoor adventures she always loved.

I was diagnosed with hydrocephalus at the age of 7 years old and had my first shunt on August 14, 2007. Doctors told me I was going to live with a shunt for the rest of my life but Aug. 20th 2020 is the 10th anniversary of being shunt free!

Brianna grew up in and out of the hospital. That’s when she found her passion of becoming a pediatric nurse. Now she’s about to achieve her childhood dream.

My perception of hydrocephalus has changed. I no longer view it as a limitation nor a difference to be scared of, but a unique quality that brings out my greatest strengths while nurturing my weaknesses.

What happens if you wake up one morning to crippling headaches and learn that you’ve had hydrocephalus your whole life? That’s what happened to Lynn.

“I use my #hydrocephalus fears to inspire me to live without regrets. So, I’ve done every WALK to End Hydrocephalus held in my hometown and intend to continue to raise money and awareness.”

Today I’m happy that the good days still outnumber the bad days. My hope is that in sharing a snippet of my journey with hydrocephalus, you are able to focus on the good days and not the bad days of your journey with this condition.