Philanthropist/Model/ and recent Sports Illustrated Finalist and Brain Cancer survivor Victoria Vesce is telling 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. She is also the first brain cancer survivor/partially hearing aid wearer in Sports Illustrated!
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 tumor
Diagnosis
In 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 adrenaline rushes and dizziness. After a CAT scan and repeated visits to the doctor and ENT, she was diagnosed with a tumor.
Treatment
Victoria 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.
Recovery
Today, 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.
FWM: Share your background as an Model.
I started modeling at a young age in my small town, but nothing really came from it. My mom started taking photos of me, and I was using them to build up a portfolio and pretend that I was the “it” model. People in my hometown made extreme fun of me for it, but now it’s funny they call me up and ask me for my advice. I did my first pageant at age 18 and was “discovered”. That was my first experience in a glamorous world and harsh world of modeling. I had to develop tough skin and keep growing and going through all the rejection. But I’m glad I kept pursuing my dream.
FWM: Can you share a few favorite shoots during your career?
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit definitely tops the list! That was a dream! There’s been so many other shoots in between big and small to Vegas desert beds to Carolina mountain catalogues to New York studio shoots.
FWM: Share a pivotal moment in your life.
There are two…my brain tumor and then my mom’s tragic death. Both changed the course of history for myself. Both made me realize life is so short and who cares what people think about you. You do what makes you happy.
FWM: Take us through when you found out that you had multiple Paraganglioma, a brain-skull tumor and a carotid body tumor.
Let’s just say…it was not the diagnosis I was expecting. After months of being sick and mis-diagnoses, I knew my body was starting to fail me, and I had No idea why. The symptoms of losing my hearing, tinnitus, hearing my heartbeat constantly, migraines, nausea, dizziness, low BP, just to name a few were surmounting. When I got the call that I had a tumor, my life flashed before my eyes and I remember Breaking down in my car while my dog was licking me thinking to myself how do I tell my mom? How do I tell my dog? Am I going to die now? It was a lot. Then finding out about the second tumor all those feelings rushed over me again. It was tough for a young 23-24 year old hearing tough diagnoses like that.
FWM: You are using your platform to inspire and empower others. Tell us about your work with the National Brain Tumor Society and other organizations you support.
I try to use my platforms on social media to keep it real and transparent of my struggles. I feel like keeping it real is the only way that others can be healed as well. The National Brain Tumor Society helped me as a patient during a dark time. They gave me a sense of community and the ability to talk to people going through similar situations which I did not have that before. They really helped me navigate through the process. Anytime I give back I always try to include them.
FWM: Where do you draw your strength from?
My mom and my faith. My mom was my rock and gave me the fortitude and support to really chase my dreams. She never once hindered me. Every sacrifice and her love gets me through everyday. My faith especially…without God. I’d be nothing. My faith and tenacity have gotten me through the toughest times in my life even when I felt a lone.
FWM: “My motto in life now is that life is short. I have quit shaming myself or changing myself to please others.” What is next for you in 2022?
I have a lot of big dreams on the horizon. This year has been the year of checking off my list. Producing my own TV show to having my own personal brand by the end of the year is on my list to accomplish.
