This year’s Hydrocephalus Association (HA) Walk to End Hydrocephalus in Atlanta was especially meaningful for a Woodstock family. Lisa, a lifelong Cherokee County resident and current Woodstock local, is stepping forward to raise awareness about hydrocephalus, a condition her 5 ½-year-old daughter, Ashtyn, has lived with since birth.
Ashtyn manages the challenges of hydrocephalus with the help of a shunt, a medical device placed in her brain to regulate fluid buildup. Unfortunately, this is not a permanent solution. Shunts have a high failure rate, with 50% failing in children within the first two years, often leading to repeated brain surgeries. Ashtyn has undergone 10 surgeries, including six in the last five months alone.
Determined to raise awareness and improve treatment options, the family participated in the HA Walk to raise funds for research, patient support, and educational programs. While they haven’t connected with others in the community who share this experience, they hope to change that by bringing more visibility to hydrocephalus. They are eager to collaborate with local residents and businesses to spread the word and support other families facing this condition.