Rebecca - 31-Days of Awareness and Giving

When I was 6 years old, I was diagnosed with Dandy-Walker Syndrome. My CT showed a very large cyst pushing on my cerebellum, and it took going to four neurosurgeons before one agreed to operate on me, saying it was very dangerous.

I decided I wanted to be a nurse after my third neurosurgery when I was 11 years old. I wanted to make other people feel the way the nurses made me feel. I told my high school guidance counsellor that, and she told me to go for something easier, because she didn’t want to see me fail. I didn’t listen to her, and I’m glad I didn’t.

I am now 34 years old. I have survived through 16 neurosurgeries. I have been a nurse for 14 years. I have beaten the odds and accomplished more than many thought was possible with my diagnosis. I want to thank my family for always believing in me. 

The Dandy-Walker Alliance is committed to supporting individuals like Rebecca along their Dandy-Walker journeys, raising awareness in the medical community and beyond, and advancing research into its causes and potential new treatments. You can support people like Rebecca worldwide by selecting a donation amount below. 

All money raised on this page goes toward helping families, raising awareness, and supporting research initiatives.