As I stopped a shot as goalkeeper, the opposing player sprinting towards me collided with my temple. Immediately, I felt something was off, but I wasn't sure how severely. Over the next few days, I went through a series of tests, including CAT scans and MRIs. The doctors discovered not only a severe concussion, but also a benign tumor on my thalamus that caused me to have a condition known as hydrocephalus. I met often with doctors to discuss the possible reasons why, as a fourteen year old, I never had any prior symptoms. A reason was not determined, but it was clear the condition presented an immediate threat and needed to be addressed. …show more content…
I was in and out of the hospital in what felt like an endless cycle, causing me to miss a majority of my eighth grade year, including several of the church tours and exciting retreats that were planned. Instead of riding a bus with friends, I stayed at home, always sitting at my desk, staring at the same walls of my house. Boredom and restlessness poured over me each day. Even so, I was determined to continue with the work needed to complete the requirements to graduate with my class at the end of the