Hydrocephalus currently has no cure, with brain surgery being the only known treatment to help drain the excess cerebrospinal fluid using a hollow tube – known as a shunt – that is placed in the brain. While these surgeries can be expensive, they also have a high chance of failing. There are also approximately 10,000 hospital admissions for shunt malfunctions each year, which can mean a lifetime of brain surgeries.
As for Todd’s daughter, she was born with hydrocephalus and has undergone 19 brain surgeries since her birth to help drain the excess fluid from her brain. Most of her surgeries occurred when she was 13 years old.
“For some people to get rid of a headache, they just take Tylenol or any over-the-counter medications. For me, it really is brain surgery,” said Elizabeth.
We wish Todd and Elizabeth well on their venture and hope they raise plenty of money for the cause.
