In this heartfelt and often funny episode of Hydro Heroes Unite, I sit down with Melissa, a fellow NICU mom and twin mom, whose daughter Abagail lives with hydrocephalus, hemiplegia, cortical visual impairment, and epilepsy.

Melissa shares her heart and her humor as she reflects on their family’s journey — from the early NICU days to navigating the complexities of hydrocephalus, including challenges many parents don’t expect.

We talk about the power of trusting your instincts as a parent, finding silver linings even in tough times, and the huge difference it makes when doctors show humility, empathy, and true partnership.

Melissa has been a long-time advocate for the hydrocephalus community, serving for eight years as co-chair of the National Capital WALK to End Hydrocephalus and continuing to champion disability rights and inclusion.

Whether you’re a newly diagnosed family or years into this journey, this conversation is a reminder that you’re not alone — and that there’s strength in community, advocacy, and a little bit of humor along the way.

Resources:

Hydrocephalus in infants and children: https://www.hydroassoc.org/hydrocephalus-in-infants-and-children/

Acquired Hydrocephalus: https://www.hydroassoc.org/acquired-hydrocephalus/

Shunt System: https://www.hydroassoc.org/shunt-systems/

Complications of a Shunt System: https://www.hydroassoc.org/complications-of-shunt-systems/

Shunt Malfunction: Frequently Asked Questions: https://www.hydroassoc.org/shunt-malfunctions-frequently-asked-questions/

Epilepsy and Hydrocephalus: https://www.hydroassoc.org/epilepsy-and-hydrocephalus/

Cerebral/Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) and Hydrocephalus: https://www.hydroassoc.org/understanding-cvi-and-hydrocephalus/

ETV and ETV with CPC: https://www.hydroassoc.org/etv-and-etv-with-cpc/

Get Support: https://www.hydroassoc.org/get-support/

WALK to End Hydrocephalus: https://www.hydroassoc.org/find-a-walk-near-you/

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH): https://www.hydroassoc.org/normal-pressure-hydrocephalus-2/

Hydrocephalus Resources: https://www.hydroassoc.org/resources/

Learn more about hydrocephalus: https://www.hydroassoc.org
Request a Hydro Hero shoutout on the show: https://bit.ly/hydroheroform

Follow on Instagram: @taishaycameron, @hydroassoc