Hydrocephalus does not define me, though it is a condition that I live with every day. If you're reading this and have never heard of hydrocephalus, it is a life-altering, life-threatening condition, caused by an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid, resulting in pressure on the brain. The only treatment for this condition is brain surgery, most commonly to implant a medical device called a shunt, which has a 50% failure rate in children within the first two years. I have had 17 brain surgeries to manage my condition. As you can see from my track record with brain surgeries, a shunt is not a cure.

This is WHY WE WALK and also why I need your support. There is research into new devices that can help reduce the uncertainty that all of us living with hydrocephalus face - the uncertainty of when we will have our next brain surgery. Sooner rather than later there will be a day where my shunt will have a device that can tell me if something is wrong. I'm also excited because, for the first time in history, there is a clinical trial in babies looking at a drug that could prevent hydrocephalus in people who develop it from a brain bleed - like me. 

So, for this reason, I want to thank you in advance for donating to support me in reaching my goal! I appreciate your donation deeply. It will go far in helping us find a cure and improve the lives of people living with hydrocephalus.

Thank you!