My journey with hydrocephalus began as an infant. Shortly after birth, I was diagnosed with E. coli Bacterial Meningitis. After which, I endured a stroke and was then diagnosed with hydrocephalus. With this diagnosis came the prognosis that I would never walk, talk, hear, or see. My parents were advised to put me in a home for the mentally and physically disabled because "I wouldn't amount to anything". My mother fought for me and all she hoped I would become. She brought me to early intervention, playgroups, physical, occupational, and speech therapy.

She never gave up on me and because of that, I am now a walking, talking, hearing, and seeing, 25 -year-old who has undergone 23 brain surgeries. My journey has not been easy but who's journey with hydrocephalus is? Like many of my fellow hydro warriors, I fight daily battles. I battle headaches and shunt pain. I struggle with fine motor and balance issues and fight the challenges of spasticity in my arms and legs. I struggle with tasks that come so naturally to others and yet I keep fighting. Despite my struggles, I drive, I live on my own and I am in a relationship with a man who loves and accepts me for me. All of which my parents thought I would never do.

I am now a soon-to-be graduate of Westfield State University this spring (2024) where I will earn my bachelor's degree in biology. After which, I plan to pursue a career in research specializing in hydrocephalus. I did not always want to pursue a career in science. For a while, I was adamant about being an algebra teacher but then my mom and I found PHF, and my world was turned upside down and has changed for the better.

When we found PHF in 2014, I was surrounded by others who shared similar stories to mine. We began attending conferences and fundraising with PHF. In 2017 I became a chapter director for Massachusetts alongside my mom and in January 2024 I accepted a seat on the board of directors for PHF. I am beyond grateful for the PHF and all they have done for me.