Delrina

It took a few months for my parents to fully understand the cause of my enlarged head. Once they realized there was a concern, they were referred to a neurosurgeon, who diagnosed my condition as congenital hydrocephalus. At the age of 2, I underwent surgery.  

As a child, I suffered from headaches and nausea, and my life felt completely different from other kids my age. People would always treat me with caution. But despite having hydrocephalus, I never stopped dreaming big. To date, I have undergone four surgeries. 

When I started school, the other kids often saw me as a surprise. Playing games was never an option for me, and it saddened me to watch the other kids play. But that didn’t stop me from thinking creatively. I would participate in elocution, which is the skill of clear and expressive speech, as well as singing competitions and other activities. The environment around me began to change, and people started becoming my friends, which helped me build my positivity.  

Everything was going well until my shunt malfunctioned for the third time when I was in seventh grade. I began experiencing symptoms like headaches and continuous vomiting, and felt terribly sick. I was advised to undergo surgery, which was successfully performed. However, the constant headaches remained a daily struggle.   

Everything around me seemed to normalize. Despite my physical struggles, I never discounted the things I was capable of achieving. I began taking on leadership roles that not only expanded my knowledge but also helped me grow independently. I served as the coordinator for a college event, a cabinet leader, and a dedicated volunteer. I have obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree and completed a Master’s in Business Administration with a specialization in marketing and human resources. While I may not be able to run, jump, or play like others, I found purpose in leadership roles and hobbies like sketching.   

I have been raising awareness about my condition through blogs written on Medium.com. Despite the twists and turns life throws my way because of my diagnosis, I will never abandon my passion for learning something new. Through my doctor checkups and the support of the Hydrocephalus Association (HA), I have gained more insight into my disability. As I continue to deepen my knowledge, I’ve come to better understand others living with the condition. Researching my condition has taught me a lot about its impact on my life. Every day, I choose to be stronger than the day before, knowing I can overcome any hurdles in my life. Hydrocephalus will not stop me.  

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Tell us about your journey with hydrocephalus!

Share your story of hope and perseverance with us! We will feature the amazing individuals in our community who are living life to the fullest regardless of their condition! Stories are reviewed by our staff and posted on our website and through social media. Stories should be no more than 800 words long. Click here to submit your story today!

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