Jacob O'Grady

Jacob O'Grady was born 3 August 1991, he was diagnosed with spina bifida and was not expected to survive birth. Jacob went onto live another 15 years, he survived numerous operations, approximately 30. Jacob lived a full life despite his setbacks. Even though Jacob was given no chance to live on several occassions, he always managed to bounce back and astound all. Gifted with an unusually bright mind and wicked sense of humour he made a huge impact on all he met. He is sorely missed by all his family and friends. Jacob passed away peacefully in Auckland Hospital on 29 March 2007. Rest in Peace Jacob.
Dad xx
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Jacob had hydrocephalus. He needed two shunts to drain the excess Cerebral Spinal Fluid, one in his left ventricle and another in his fourth ventricle. The fourth ventricle was blocked. The surgeons misdaignosed his condition and instead revised the shunt in his left ventricle. The surgeons botched the shunt revision operation and he needed emergency surgery the next day to re-revise it. The two operations left an excess amount of fluid in his lungs and unfortunately he developed pneumonia as a result. They weren't able to get on top of the pneumonia and his fourth ventricle was still blocked which was causing him serious problems, I think the combination of the misdiagnosis, the incorrect operation, the fact that it was botched, the re-revision and the fact that his fourth ventricle was causing him all the problems while he was recovering from the surgery ultimately led to his death. I was shocked when he died. He was a great son, and with help from family, friends and the New Zealand Education and Health system in his 15 years he had a good quality of life. It's incredibly sad that he is not still around.

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[MrCharger4992004]

hello my name is Sabino, and i was born with hydrocephalus. I had surgery the day after i was born, i was given 50/50 chance to live or with serious disabilities. That was 25 years ago and i am still doing great, i thank God for everything he has done, i know u have had a terrible loss, i recently lost my mom to cancer in feb. and theres not a day that i dont miss her, she was always there for me and worried about me. hope the best for u and ur family.

[lawrenceogrady]

Hi Sabino, thanks for your comments. I am sorry to hear about your Mom, I don't think there is anything harder than losing a loved one. You have strong faith, and you know your Mom is still with you in spirit. God bless.

Lawrence O'Grady

[simmyvanna]

Wow that was a truly moving story. I have hydrocephalus and am facing a shunt very soon and I am very scared. I truly hope your son went peacefully and in God's arms, so truly sorry to hear of your loss...

Jennifer.

[lawrenceogrady]

Hi Jennifer, thanks for your comment. I am sure your shunt will be fine, God bless

Lawrence O'Grady

[kantaruhiroyuto]

hi lawrence, you and your son inspire me to do my best in my BS-Nursing program.

i have been working with kids in the public schools as a christian education volunteer.

your story makes me feel there is a purpose of pursuing this BSN.

hope you have recovered by now

[lawrenceogrady]

Thank you for your kind words. I am sure your work will help many. God bless

[lawrenceogrady]

Hi Kantaruhiroyuto

There is a purpose - Thankfully you are fulfilling God's plan for your life.

Thank you

Kind regards

Lawrence O'Grady

[TheresaGrainger]

What a heart-warming, inspiring, beautiful video. Film and photos really do capture life’s gifts, what a special combo of memories to have ♥ ☆… thank you (✿◠‿◠)

[07geian2t]

hi..his story is so heartbreaking.i my son also have a hydrocephalus and i can feel your pain..my son geian is running 3 years old he cannot walk because of his heavy head but the nice thing is that he can talk, understand things and a tatented baby boy.he is so bright baby.tnx for all the prayers..i hope i can be with him for many years...

[271vls]

That was very moving for me. We are adopting 2 kids 14 and 17 with Spina Bifida, through your grief your video has also shown what these kids can do and accomplish.  I only hope I can help them to reach their full potential. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

[mzsensen]

i have surgery but i cvan walked normally pls helped me.

[4ktwp]

Hi Laurie

Val & I were so moved by seeing this video.

Hope to catch up with you again soon.

Love & aroha to you Always.

Kepa & Val (Peace of Mind)..