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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.
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#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.
#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 Conditions You Can’t See—But I Live With Every Day
Living, Healing, and Advocating with Invisible Illnesses
I’ve been diagnosed with Obstructive Hydrocephalus, Chiari Malformation Type I, and Epilepsy—three conditions that completely changed the way I live, move, and advocate. These are invisible illnesses, but they are real, relentless, and life-altering.
Despite it all, I push through, every single day. My VP shunt helps keep me alive. My journey with brain surgery, disability, and misunderstood symptoms has taught me the value of empathy and education.
This isn’t just my story—it’s a mission to raise awareness, fight stigma, and show others they’re not alone.
Hydrocephalus
Type: Acquired / Obstructive
Hydrocephalus causes a buildup of fluid in the brain. For me, it means relying on a shunt system to keep that pressure regulated—without it, my life is at risk. It’s invisible, but it’s always there.
Chiari Malformation
Type I (Non-decompressed)
Chiari affects the brain where it meets the spine, and mine causes pain, pressure, and neurological symptoms. Though I haven’t had decompression surgery, I live with the weight of its impact every day.
Epilepsy
Type: Partial Complex Seizures
Before being seizure-free for over five years, I experienced complex partial seizures that disrupted daily life. While I no longer seize, I never forget how unpredictable and misunderstood epilepsy can be.
Diagnosed? Yes. Disabled? Sure. Determined to keep living? Absolutely.
There Were Days I Wanted to Quit—But I Kept Going.
"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.