Interviewed by Jules Lavalle
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!
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.
Can you share a few favorite shoot during your career?
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit definitely tops the list! That was a dream!
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.
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.
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