Thank you for visiting my website. I got involved in hydrocephalus advocacy around 2010 shortly after two of, let's say more colorful experiences in my life. The first took place in 2009 when an attempt at a lumbar shunt was tried and failed. This led to five revisions in five days including an extenal ventricular drain (basically an emergency hose coming out of the top of my head, to drain cerebral spinal fluid ((CSF)). Thankfully I recovered pretty much back to basline, though I was suffering from Idiopathic Intercranial Hypertension.

    The second experience came in 2010 when I took a trip to Cleveland OH for my first Hydrocephalus Association conference, HAConnect, which was at the Cleveland Clinic. For the first time in the 30 years leading up to that point, I met another person with hydrocephalus! And it changed my life, and the way that I seek treatment for my own hydrocepalus. It was very empowering, it made me want to do more for my fellow brethern with this same affliction.

    I learned a lot about hydrocephalus, which is an excessive accumulation of CSF in the center of your brain. All about the different types, the side effects from having the condition, that I learned were not unique to me! An even though in the two years prior I had gone through eight shunt revisions, and one emergency ventricular drain, I left that first conference humbled and grateful. 

    It was in coming home from that trip that I realized I needed to do more! Be more involved in hydrocephalus advocacy to help all my fellow patience that don't have the capability to help themselves.