Calling all Team Rylan members, join me in the WALK to End Hydrocephalus! As you may know, I was diagnosed with hydrocephalus just a little over seven years ago. A couple days after my diagnosis I had brain surgery to have a vp shunt placed. My shunt starts in my brain with an adjustable valve and then runs all the way down to my tummy to drain the spinal fluid that otherwise would build up in my head causing lots of pain and other bad things. My shunt really helps make my life so much better when it’s working.

Five years ago my shunt broke four times so I had brain surgery in March, May, September and October of 2019. This past year it broke 4 times again so I had 4 revisions in July, September, October and December. In March my doctors decided to do a middle cranial vault expansion surgery, hoping to create just a little more space so my shunt doesn't break. This was a huge surgery, that was scary and felt like forever to feel better from, but I am finally feeling better! And I am hoping that the doctors are right and this was the fix I needed to keep my shunt from breaking again. Fingers crossed!

Brain surgery is not fun and this past year was anything but easy. I so wish they had a better way to fix hydrocephalus. 

For all those that suffer, let's work together, spread awareness and raise some money to get the research we need to make the future better for all of us! 

I hope you will come to walk with me on September 14th! Make sure you register for the walk under Team Rylan, donate if you’d like and share with friends!

Thanks!!!!
Rylan

Hope to see you on September 14th!!