I have hydrocephalus

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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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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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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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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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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Bill SYS 1

Diagnosed at 4 months

Bill

Story Written by Self

By Sierra Smith February 11, 2025

Born in the late 1960s, Bill faced early challenges with hydrocephalus but went on to earn a master’s degree, teach, and become a parent, grateful for his stability while recognizing every journey is unique.

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Dereck, hydrocephalus journey

Diagnosed In-utero

Dereck

Story Written by Self

By Sierra Smith January 3, 2025

Dereck’s journey with hydrocephalus has made him resilient, navigating over 500 surgeries and countless challenges. Despite unexpected turns, he finds fulfillment in volunteering and inspiring hope in others.

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Fred

Diagnosed at 2 weeks

Fred

Story Written by Self

By Sierra Smith November 26, 2024

Despite the countless challenges of living with hydrocephalus, Fred has found resilience through self-advocacy, community connection, and a passion for supporting others facing similar journeys.

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Lauren

Diagnosed at 24

Lauren

Story Written by Self

By admin September 3, 2024

After years of misdiagnoses, Lauren was finally diagnosed with hydrocephalus in 2021 and underwent successful endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) surgery.

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Ryan

Diagnosed at 21

Ryan

Story Written by Self

By JennBechard May 20, 2024

After a benign brain tumor diagnosis amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Ryan faced an even greater challenge when a subsequent injury unveiled hydrocephalus. His emergency surgery marked a turning point, empowering him to pursue a fulfilling life despite the obstacles.

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James featured image

Diagnosed at 7 Months

James

Story Written by Author/Self

By JennBechard September 12, 2023

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

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Kyleigh 16 in Snow EDITED

Diagnosed at 10 Months

Kyleigh

Story Written by Author/Self

By JennBechard May 15, 2023

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).

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Marcos

Diagnosed at 3 Days

Marcos

Story Written by Author/Self

By JennBechard May 2, 2023

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!

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Morgan, adult with hydrocephalus

Morgan

Story Written by Author/Self

By JennBechard April 27, 2021

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.

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Share your Story Featured Image Elis

Diagnosed at 6 Weeks

Elis

Story Written by Author/Self

By JennBechard January 29, 2021

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!

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Share your Story Featured Image Cathy R

Diagnosed at 42

Cathy

Story Written by Author/Self

By JennBechard January 29, 2021

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

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