EP #1086: Philanthropist/Model/Sports Illustrated Finalist Shares Her Experience with Brain Tumors & the Necessity of Self-Care

Send us a text Lisa is joined by Philanthropist/Model/Sports Illustrated Finalist and surviror Victoria Vesce is telling everyone who will listen. Ms. Vesce has a long history of advocacy and philanthropy with various organizations, but her advocacy took on new meaning when she became a cancer survivor at age 24. Today, Victoria is an advocate for the National Brain Tumor Society, an organization that helped her during her radiation treatments at Duke Cancer Institute.In 2017, Victoria was diagnosed with multiple Paraganglioma, a brain-skull tumor and a carotid body tumor that required surgery and pin-point radiation treatment. During her time at Duke University Hospital, she voluntarily participated in a study to help more patients overcome rare tumors.DiagnosisIn 2016 and 2017 while dancing in the NBA for the Charlotte Hornets, and studying for the LSAT, Victoria started losing her hearing and experiencing extreme headaches. She began experiencing symptoms like fainting, unexplained adrenalin rushes and dizziness. After a CAT scan and repeated visits to the doctor and ENT, she was diagnosed with a tumor.TreatmentVictoria was referred to Duke University Hospital, where they discovered another tumor (carotid artery) during an MRI. Surgery occurred 6 weeks later, and following that, Victoria underwent 30 rounds of experimental radiation treatment.RecoveryToday, Victoria is fully deaf in her right ear. She also suffers from tinnitus. At the same time, she enjoys a new perspective on life and has gratitude for the organizations and people who have helped her along the way."My motto in life now is that life is short. I have quit shaming myself or changing myself to please others. I own my life, imperfections and all. I want to help others to reach a point of good health, happiness and fulfillment - as I have," said Ms. Vesce. "Brain Tumor Awareness Month presents a chance to become educated about the issues that affect people with cancer diagnoses. It's also a chance to give to organizations that save lives."Ms. Vesce encourages others to donate to organizations like the National Brain Tumor Society. If you would like to interview her please let me know!For more information about how you can contribute to the National Brain Tumor Society, see their website, https://braintumor.org About Victoria DeHart Vesce: now based in Miami, Florida, Victoria is a graduate of NC State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Media Communications and has obtained her Juris Doctorate from Charleston School of Law. She currently works with Berman Law Group in South Florida and continues to model and grow her social media platform. She is signed model with JL Model Management and Marilyn's Agency. In the past, Ms. Vesce has volunteered