Sharing a Rare Disorder Leyra and Zavyers Story
November 05, 2024
Sharing things with your sibling can be difficult. For Leyra and Zavyer, each born with hydrocephalus, or excess fluid on the brain, it’s created a close bond.
“We’re always there for each other,” said Leyra about younger brother, Zavyer. “The two of us are really close.”
Hydrocephalus is a rare but serious condition that can lead to premature death, developmental delays, nerve damage and more.
Both children, born 10 years apart, are under the care of Dean Hertzler, MD, Chief, Pediatric Neurosurgery Program at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. “After they were born, the best choice was putting in a ventriculoperitoneal shunt,” said Dr. Hertzler.
The shunt allows Dr. Hertzler and his team to monitor and control the release of excess fluid, allowing their brains to grow normally.
Both children are doing well. As for their parents, they share similar thoughts about their experience with the hospital.
“We trust them with the care of our children,” said their mother, Nazly.
“They give you the best care for your kids,” said their dad, Geepcy.
