In this first episode of Hydro Heroes Unite, I sit down with Miya — a mother of three whose youngest daughter Mila lives with hydrocephalus and cerebral palsy. Miya opens up about navigating a four-month NICU stay with newborn twins during the pandemic, while also parenting a toddler at home.

We explore what survival mode really looks like, what comes after crisis, and how Miya stays grounded in the long game of raising a child with special medical needs. This conversation is raw, real, and incredibly powerful.

Topics we cover include:

- NICU life with preemie twins
- Balancing home and hospital during COVID
- Processing trauma after survival
- Self-care, grief, and advocacy
- The strength of doing “just one day” at a time

Resources:

- Hydro Hero Shout-Out Form

Resources relevant to today’s conversation curtesy of the Hydrocephalus Association:

Shunt Systems Article: https://www.hydroassoc.org/shunt-systems/

Shunt Malfunction FAQs Article: https://www.hydroassoc.org/shunt-malfunctions-frequently-asked-questions/

Complications of Shunt System Article: https://www.hydroassoc.org/complications-of-shunt-systems/

Developing an Emergency Plan for Hydrocephalus Complications Article: https://www.hydroassoc.org/emergency-plan-for-hydrocephalus-complications/

Ask the Expert Video: Barometric Pressure https://www.hydroassoc.org/ask-the-expert-video-series-barometric-pressure-and-hydrocephalus/

Find a Doctor - HA Physicians' Directory: https://www.hydroassoc.org/physicians-directory/

Traveling and Hydrocephalus Article: https://www.hydroassoc.org/traveling-with-hydrocephalus/

Download HydroAssist® Mobile Application - https://www.hydroassoc.org/hydroassist/

Essential Guide: Developmental Milestones in Hydrocephalus Article: https://www.hydroassoc.org/developmental-milestones-in-hydrocephalus/

Your Healthcare Team Article: https://www.hydroassoc.org/your-healthcare-team-2/

Search HA's Hydrocephalus Resource Library: https://www.hydroassoc.org/hydrocephalus-library/

Parent Resources: https://www.hydroassoc.org/parent-hydrocephalus-resources/

Get Support: https://www.hydroassoc.org/get-support/

Caring for the Caregiver Article: https://www.hydroassoc.org/caring-for-the-caregiver/

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Join us on social media:

Taisha: @taishaycameron

HA: @hydroassoc

Welcome to Hydro Heroes Unite, a new bi-weekly podcast for parents and caregivers raising children with hydrocephalus. I'm your host, Taisha Cameron a fellow hydro hero mama, and in this season, we’re shining a light on the pediatric hydrocephalus journey.

Each episode brings you real conversations with other parents and insights from medical professionals who understand the daily challenges and quiet victories of life with hydrocephalus.

Our first full episode drops Wednesday, July 23. Subscribe now and join us every other Wednesday as we build a community rooted in stories, support, and solidarity.

Created in partnership with the Hydrocephalus Association. Learn more at hydroassoc.org.