Cerebral Hack

Sometimes we all have to take a step back and take notice to the advancements in technology; and the aspects in place, as to why we are as far as we are when it comes to the technology we have grown accustomed to. Without medical advancements in Neurology and our now very (yet still limited) extensive knowledge of the brain, this site and others like it would not exist.

This is the story of Jennifer Bechard of Michigan about her fight against Hydrocephalus and what YOU can do to help.  She has agreed to share her tale  for CerebralHack.com in hopes that more people will take notice of this illness that affects so many and educate those that may not be familiar with Hydrocephalus.

What is Hydrocephalus? How does it feel to have a headache all day, everyday? Never experiencing a moment without any form of relief? Although hydrocephalus is not the typical household word, it is not uncommon. Hydrocephalus, commonly referred to as “water on the brain”, is a lifelong chronic neurological condition, characterized by an increased volume of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) within the spaces inside the brain. Hydrocephalus affects over one million Americans from newborns to seniors and presently, there is no cure….

The most common treatment for hydrocephalus, and the most common procedure performed by pediatric neurosurgeons in the U.S., is surgical implantation of a device called a shunt. A shunt is a flexible tube and valve system, draining CSF from the brain to another part of the body. Oftentimes repeated neurosurgical operations are necessary to treat hydrocephalus. Fifty percent of shunted individuals require a revising operation within two years. An estimated 40,000-shunt operations are performed each year in this country as standard treatment. This is 1 every 13 minutes. Due to the lack of advancements in these treatment methods, many people with hydrocephalus are unable to lead full and productive lives.

Hydrocephalus is not discussed nearly enough. We need to be heard; our stories need to be told. Those lives affected by hydrocephalus need to know there is hope for a brighter future, support is available! Awareness is vital & raising funds for research is crucial. There needs to be a better way of life for those suffering. The management of recurrent shunt malfunctions remains a serious problem for all too many shunted patients. I know this because at the age of 11 I was diagnosed with Communicating Hydrocephalus. I have undergone 87 surgeries to correct my shunt, over 60 of them in just the past 3 years. My life has been put on hold due to several shunt complications. My senior year of high school my health declined tremendously, my life was changing & I needed to adjust very quickly. Thousands of lives have been saved through shunt technology, but the overall design of shunt valves has changed little through the past 50 years. There is much more research that needs to be done to improve shunt technology, therefore improving the quality of life.

I can honestly say that I do not know what it feels like to live a day without a headache or what it means to be pain free. But I am not alone in this & that is exactly what inspires me to help in the fight to find a cure and create prevention.

During one of my long hospital stays my mom and I felt we needed to get involved and we needed to make a difference. After contacting the Hydrocephalus Association, my mom learned there wasn’t a Hydrocephalus WALK in Michigan. In 2007 she started the First Annual Detroit Hydrocephalus WALK. We are hoping that each year the walk will continue to grow and become a large statewide event. By the year 2010, the Hydrocephalus Association is hoping to have events in each state. This year we are hosting the Third Annual Detroit Hydrocephalus WALK-WHEEL-RUN And Family Fun Day at Livonia’s Rotary Park, located at 32300 6 mile, Livonia, MI 48152 on Sunday, August 2, 2009. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at Rotary Pavilions 1 and 2. The 3-mile walk is scheduled to start at 9:30 a.m.

This walk is truly inspirational and his given me the motivation I need to fight through each day. I believe I was given this life for a reason, and I am strong enough to live it. I have hydrocephalus; hydrocephalus does not have me. I will not let this illness beat me and I will never let the pain control my life. My goal and lifelong mission is to reach out to others, share my experiences, give support, and restore hope. I am more determined now than ever to raise awareness, funds for research, and bring those affected together. With the help of the Hydrocephalus Association we will take steps towards improving lives.

Please help The Detroit Hydrocephalus WALK reach our fundraising goal. Pass this onto family, friends, & co-workers.

http://www.gifttool.com/athon/AthonDetails?ID=1488&AID=751

If you would like to attend the walk & would like more information, e-mail me at Jenn.Bechard@gmail.com or Denise Bechard at DJBhydrowalkMI@gmail.com.

For more information on Hydrocephalus and the Hydrocephalus Association please visit: http://hydroassoc.org/

Thank you for your time and generosity.

Remember saving lives isn’t enough; we need to attend to the quality of life!

Jennifer Bechard

CO-Chair Detroit Hydrocephalus WALK