When looking at 12-year-old Madelyn Edgecomb, one would see a happy & smiling young
lady who loves to read, make crafts and listen to music. When you look a little closer and see the scars
and stitch marks on her head, a different story is being told.
Madelyn suffers from an incurable brain condition called Hydrocephalus, and the scars and stitch marks
are the result of the multiple brain surgeries to implant the device in her brain, known as a shunt that
keeps her alive.
Occurring in approximately 1 of every 500 births and in over One Million Americans today, (including
former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords), Hydrocephalus is a condition in which excessive fluid gathers
in the brain, abnormally widening spaces in the brain and placing potentially harmful pressure on brain
tissues. Because of lack of advancements in treatment, many affected individuals are left unable to lead
full and productive lives.