Hundreds of students at Helen Wilcox Elementary School in Oroville took a walk for a good cause last week.
Many of these kids can't even say the word...but for one student on campus...it's a daily fact of life.
Justin says, "hydrocephalus is water on the brain"
First grader Justin Walker has Hydrocephalus...he's been through a lot in his young life.
Justin says, "you get surgeries and they put a tube in your head"
Hydrocephalus is an excess accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain...which can lead to brain damage and even death. The condition has no cure...but fortunately there is a treatment that is very reliable...brain surgery and the placement of a shunt to remove the excess fluid.
Jodi says, "it's much more common than we think...I met two teachers who have family members with this...another little child said 'oh, my cousin has this'."
Jodi Lawrence is Justin's grandmother...she is raising Justin and has organized this walk at the school for the second straight year. The students here do a great job of raising money...and giving a simple explanation of Hydrocephalus.
Sydney says, "it's called water in the brain and you need to go to the doctor to get it fixed and then you're OK."
AS for Justin...he doesn't let his condition get him down.
Heather says, "he's just one of the kids in class...I bet if you ask the sudents they wouldn't be able to identify the student who has Hydrocephalus"
Jodi says, "he has a good attitude, he's a fun little boy...we get to get this miracle every day."
