In this final episode of Season One, I bring it home (literally) and share parts of my conversation with my husband Scott as he opens up about his perspective through Angelica’s hydrocephalus and Dandy-Walker diagnosis. Scott opens up about: The shock of receiving a diagnosis during pregnancyNavigating NICU life, Hurricane Maria and unexpected PICU transfersFinding humor in hard places Advocating as a caregiver and trusting your gut (and your partners)How resilience forms slowly, moment ...

Today I’ll share parts of my conversation with Dr. Elizabeth McRae, a pediatric psychologist at the University of Alabama, to talk about empowering children with complex medical conditions and supporting the families who care for them. We explore: The difference between pediatric psychologists and neuropsychologistsHow parents can help kids learn to advocate for themselvesThe RAISE program, which helps caregivers build resilience and find balanceWhy self-care and mental health are essential f...

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, fin...

What every parent needs to know about helping kids with hydrocephalus thrive at home and school. Today’s conversation with neuropsychologist Dr. Jennifer Queally explores the impact of hydrocephalus on learning and development, how parents and schools can collaborate, and the challenges children face in self-advocacy. The conversation also dives into practical strategies for supporting independence, preparing for adulthood, and balancing the realities of parenting a child with a medical condi...

What is hydrocephalus? How is it most commonly treated? And what should families know about living with this complex neurological condition? In this episode we’ll hear from Dr. Ramin Eskandari, a leading neurosurgeon, about the realities of hydrocephalus care. We discuss: What hydrocephalus is and how it affects patientsThe most common treatment options, including shunts and ETVWarning signs of shunt malfunctionsNew research and advances in treatmentThe debate on activity restrictions for pat...

Crystal’s story is one of resilience, faith, and hope. After her daughter Natalie was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, additional challenges followed: cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and autism. In this episode, Crystal opens up about walking through the valley of the shadow of death, leaning on her faith, and finding strength as a parent in the most difficult circumstances. We discuss how she and her family faced the fear of having another child, the importance of hope, and what it means to step back...

In this episode of Hydro Heroes Unite, we head into the NICU with neonatologist Dr. Hallie Morris, who brings both her medical expertise and deep compassion to the conversation. We explore what it really means when a baby is admitted to the NICU - and how, in many ways, the whole family is admitted too. Dr. Morris shares how hydrocephalus is often diagnosed in newborns, how care teams come together, and why supporting caregivers is just as important as supporting the patient. From managing ex...

In this first episode of Hydro Heroes Unite, I sit down with Miya — a mother of three whose youngest daughter Mila lives with hydrocephalus and cerebral palsy. Miya opens up about navigating a four-month NICU stay with newborn twins during the pandemic, while also parenting a toddler at home. We explore what survival mode really looks like, what comes after crisis, and how Miya stays grounded in the long game of raising a child with special medical needs. This conversation is raw, real, and i...

Welcome to Hydro Heroes Unite, a new bi-weekly podcast for parents and caregivers raising children with hydrocephalus. I'm your host, Taisha Cameron a fellow hydro hero mama, and in this season, we’re shining a light on the pediatric hydrocephalus journey. Each episode brings you real conversations with other parents and insights from medical professionals who understand the daily challenges and quiet victories of life with hydrocephalus. Our first full episode drops Wednesday, July 23. Subsc...