JOHN VAN LEEUWEN
Brother
T H E I R H E R O S T O R Y
John is my older brother. Four years ago, he was diagnosed with hydrocephalus — a condition in which excess fluid builds up in the brain and can affect balance, walking, and other functions. He chose not to have the surgery that might have helped him, and over time, his mobility declined significantly.
After spending three weeks in the hospital and two months in rehab, John can now walk only short distances with a walker.
What makes him a hero to me is his determination to keep going. No matter what is happening in his life, he gets up, walks the hallway with his walker, and finds ways to stay involved.
He keeps moving forward, one step at a time.
H O N O R E D B Y
Maria Dwyer