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Shunt Happens – Life Beyond Diagnosis
Because Life Doesn’t Stop at a Diagnosis.
I’m CT, living in Nashville, and this space is where I share life as it continues — shaped by hydrocephalus, supported by a shunt, and grounded in growth, mental health, and everyday moments. I share my journey in hopes that it helps someone else feel a little less alone in theirs.
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My shunt may keep me alive, but my purpose is what keeps me going.
Advocating for shunt warriors is my mission — but so is living my life out loud. Yes, hydrocephalus comes with surgeries, symptoms, and stress. But it also comes with strength, humor, and a lot of “watch me do it anyway.” This space is my corner of the internet where I share how life has been with a shunt - the good, the bad, and the side no one wants you to see - the ugly.
ADVOCACY
RAISING AWARENESS
You won't see me on a Netflix documentary, but I’ll be dropping my own docuseries on YouTube.
Three sides to every story? You're right — but evidence doesn’t lie.
Stay tuned as the links update. In the meantime, head to my YouTube and hit SUBSCRIBE.
It's a 'Miracle' I'm Still Here - Pun Intended.
My Neurosurgeon Neglected Me — She Didn’t
The Shunt Failure That Should’ve Never Been Ignored
Cinderella Wasn’t the Only One With a Wicked Stepmother
The Apology That Wasn’t Enough - Audio Included.
The Tide Pods Incident — This One Still Blows My Mind
The Day I Was Kicked Out Over My Disability Check
Returning to Work… Disabled
The Report That Changed Everything
The Scam She Thought I Wouldn’t Catch.... (yeah, the lawsuit)
The Leader Who Picked the Wrong Disabled Girl
The Wildest Comments I’ve Heard Since Coming Back to Work
The Neighbor Who Tried to Have Me Arrested… Until Receipts Appeared
The Past They Love to Gossip About — My Turn
No, I’m not taking any of this to court. But I will share my story because what happened to me happens far too often — and too many people suffer quietly. Maybe this is why God made me strong-willed: to speak up, stand firm, and be a voice for those who can’t.
I didn’t choose this journey — but I chose what came next.
After multiple brain surgeries, I found myself starting over in every sense of the word — learning to walk, to heal, and to rebuild. Somewhere between frustration and faith, I decided to take control of my story instead of letting it control me.
Shunt Happens is my way of showing that healing isn’t linear, strength doesn’t always look graceful, and humor can exist even in the hardest chapters. This is my story — not defined by diagnosis, but by determination.
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Hey there! I’m CT—welcome to the space where I share my journey, my work, and my adventures.
So here’s the deal—I live with hydrocephalus, which means I rely on a shunt to literally keep me alive. It’s not perfect (trust me, I know), but it’s my lifeline.
After countless scans, hospital stays, and close calls, I made a choice: instead of letting this condition hold me back, I’m using my story to connect with other warriors and spread awareness.
Through my blog, streams, and adventures, I want to show that life with chronic illness isn’t just about surviving—it’s about living fully, chasing joy, and proving every single day that we can create a beautiful life, no matter the odds.
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Hey, everyone! Welcome to my corner of the internet....
After spending so much time in and out of doctors' offices—undergoing countless MRIs, CT scans, EEGs, hospital visits, and rounds of therapy—I’ve made it my mission to prove that I am more than my diagnoses. At the same time, I advocate for others who are living with similar chronic illnesses and shared experiences.
By day, I’m a web designer; by night, a streamer who loves playing video games and trying to meet new people. Through my blog and stream, my goal is to create a safe, supportive space where everyone can feel seen, heard, and understood.
After a recent close call that gave me a second chance at life, I’m committed to truly living—checking off bucket list dreams, traveling, and embracing every moment with purpose. Life may look different with chronic illness, but it can still be full, joyful, and meaningful. And I’m here to prove that every single day.
#ShuntHappens, right?
After spending so much time in and out of doctors' offices—undergoing countless MRIs, CT scans, EEGs, hospital visits, and rounds of therapy—I’ve made it my mission to prove that I am more than my diagnoses. At the same time, I advocate for others who are living with similar chronic illnesses and shared experiences.
By day, I’m a web designer; by night, a streamer who loves playing video games and trying to meet new people. Through my blog and stream, my goal is to create a safe, supportive space where everyone can feel seen, heard, and understood.
After a recent close call that gave me a second chance at life, I’m committed to truly living—checking off bucket list dreams, traveling, and embracing every moment with purpose. Life may look different with chronic illness, but it can still be full, joyful, and meaningful. And I’m here to prove that every single day.
The Diagnosis Came—But So Did the Adventures
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The Wannabe Blogger
I have tried to do this blogging things several times
Hey, everyone!
I’m Courtney (CT) — a brain surgery survivor, mom, blogger, web designer, gamer, and adventurer.
This is my corner of the internet where I share what life looks like after multiple brain surgeries and living with a chronic illness. I speak up for the hydrocephalus community and remind others navigating shunt life that sh!t happens but no matter what, keep pushing forward. 💜
with love,
CT
Subscribe to my newsletter.
Stay Updated with My Journey
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After multiple brain surgeries, I found myself starting over in every sense of the word—learning to walk, heal, and rebuild. Somewhere between frustration and faith, I decided to take control of my story instead of letting it control me. Shunt Happens hydrocephalus is my way of showing that healing isn’t linear, strength doesn’t always look graceful, and humor can exist even in the hardest chapters. This is my story—not defined by a diagnosis, but by determination.
Let’s Be Real… Your Brain Story Deserves Its Own Episode.
I’m just one person, but awareness starts somewhere. My story is only one piece of the Hydrocephalus, Epilepsy, TBI, and shunt-life puzzle — and I don’t want to advocate alone.
If you or someone you know is on this same wild, messy, warrior journey, send them my way. Their story deserves to be heard.
We can’t raise awareness in silence.
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Diagnosed? Yes. Disabled? Sure. Determined to keep living? Absolutely.
"Your story doesn’t end with a diagnosis. It just gets a new direction." — CT
Just Me, Sharing What I’ve Lived Through
Please keep in mind that everything I share comes from my own lived experiences with Hydrocephalus, Chiari Malformation, and Epilepsy. I’m not a medical professional—just someone navigating life with these diagnoses, offering insight, support, and real talk based on what I’ve personally been through.
Chiari Malformation Type 1 / Non-compressed
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The Girl Who Turned Pain Into Purpose
Hey — I’m Courtney, but most people know me as CT.
I’m a TBI survivor, hiker, gamer, boy mom, web designer and trying the whole blogger thing again...
After 7 brain surgeries, learning to walk again, and navigating epilepsy, hydrocephalus, and Chiari malformation… I could’ve given up, but I had someone depending on me - my son.
I built Shunt Happens as a space for others like me — people who’ve been through hell and came back swinging. Whether I’m gaming in the Fog on Twitch, hiking a trail, or sharing real talk on my blog, I want to show that healing doesn’t have to be quiet.
This is my story. But if you’ve been through this too — maybe it’s a little bit yours.
I'm so glad you're here!
This space is where I share life after brain surgery—balancing motherhood, healing, adventure, and everything in between. Whether you’re here for inspiration, awareness, or just a reminder that you’re not alone—welcome in.
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As we move forward in life, it is amazing to see what helps us grow and move forward. As a newlywed with the love of travel, I decided to focus less on myself and focus on
Roberge on the Road
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About Us
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My Adventures
Follow my journey
Explore the Latest
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Dive into my latest adventures, travel tips, and personal reflections. Whether you're seeking inspiration for your next hike or curious about life after a TBI, you'll find stories that encourage exploration and resilience.
Work with me
I’m passionate about bringing stories to life through creative digital marketing, sleek website design, eye-catching visuals, and photography—especially in the fast-paced world of motorsports. Alongside my creative work, I’d love to use my platform to advocate for hydrocephalus and epilepsy, raising awareness and inspiring others.
Discover the journey that led me here—through overcoming obstacles, embracing challenges, and celebrating victories. Learn more about my experience as a TBI survivor, traveler, and single mother.
Connect with me
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It is time to continue my story...
Welcome to my corner of the internet. I am here to not only advocate through my personal journey but inspire others to never give up and push towards your dreams.
© 2025 by Shunt Happens.