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Unrelenting, an adjective that describes Hydrocephalus, an incurable condition where excess cerebral fluid builds inside of a persons' brain. It also describes my friend Zachariah Smith, who at age 42 has endured over 54 surgeries.
Inside of Zach’s head is a device called a shunt, it allows excess fluid to drain off his brain into his stomach. For most people, our bodies do this for us, for Hydrocephalus patients a shunt is the only treatment. This past March at the start of the pandemic Zach was experiencing symptoms of a shunt malfunction. Surgery was the only option to replace the shunt. During the operation, there were some complications that caused a hematoma which led to subsequent surgeries all in a three-week time frame. Surgery and recovery were all completed devoid of any family or support network due to Covid-19 restrictions. Zach made it through and was released to recover at home. Initial signs were positive throughout the spring and summer. Unfortunately, he was back in the hospital in September for yet another surgery. All of this has all taken a toll on his body and it has not been easy for him to bounce back.
Hydrocephalus is an under-researched disease and Zach has become an expert on the topic. He has spoken at several conferences and symposiums as well as met with several medical device manufacturers to advise on new technologies. Through it all, he and his family have helped so many. They have raised thousands of dollars for the Hydrocephalus Association (HA) and for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
They are selfless people who would do anything for anybody in need. Zach will most likely not see a cure in his lifetime, he is fighting for the cause and hoping to make the future better for others suffering from Hydrocephalus. The funds raised will go towards medical bills and help support Zach his wife Stephanie and their two teenage children through this tough time with inevitably more to come. Currently there is no cure, the only treatment is brain surgery.
To learn more about who Zach is, please take a look at his work.
www.ZachariahSmith.com
Hydro-Connect-Us podcast: Zach Smith
Inside of Zach’s head is a device called a shunt, it allows excess fluid to drain off his brain into his stomach. For most people, our bodies do this for us, for Hydrocephalus patients a shunt is the only treatment. This past March at the start of the pandemic Zach was experiencing symptoms of a shunt malfunction. Surgery was the only option to replace the shunt. During the operation, there were some complications that caused a hematoma which led to subsequent surgeries all in a three-week time frame. Surgery and recovery were all completed devoid of any family or support network due to Covid-19 restrictions. Zach made it through and was released to recover at home. Initial signs were positive throughout the spring and summer. Unfortunately, he was back in the hospital in September for yet another surgery. All of this has all taken a toll on his body and it has not been easy for him to bounce back.
Hydrocephalus is an under-researched disease and Zach has become an expert on the topic. He has spoken at several conferences and symposiums as well as met with several medical device manufacturers to advise on new technologies. Through it all, he and his family have helped so many. They have raised thousands of dollars for the Hydrocephalus Association (HA) and for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
They are selfless people who would do anything for anybody in need. Zach will most likely not see a cure in his lifetime, he is fighting for the cause and hoping to make the future better for others suffering from Hydrocephalus. The funds raised will go towards medical bills and help support Zach his wife Stephanie and their two teenage children through this tough time with inevitably more to come. Currently there is no cure, the only treatment is brain surgery.
To learn more about who Zach is, please take a look at his work.
www.ZachariahSmith.com
Hydro-Connect-Us podcast: Zach Smith
Organizer and beneficiary
Zachariah Smith
Beneficiary