At the age of 30, Victoria Vesce worked hard to make the most of every opportunity that came her way, but having once played a superhero on screen, this academic and physical powerhouse needed to rely on faith and fitness after that she had been diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2017. Now raising awareness for the National Brain Tumor Society,
Vesce is back to doing what she does best, stealing the spotlight and breaking down stereotypes. Born in Wilson, NC, and now residing in West Palm Beach, Vesce sat with M&F her to update us on her inspiring story, which now includes work towards her law degree.
I’m currently studying to be a barrister, says Vesce, who hopes to practice law soon, and further break narrow views of what a beautiful woman can accomplish. As an undergraduate, Vesce wrote for the North Carolina State University newspaper and was a sportscaster for Baseball life. She started modeling at the age of 18 and has also acted in film, playing the main character of Athena, goddess of war in the 2015 Maiden Comics version of the same name.
During filming, Vesce performed all of his own stunts. At the same time he also began participating as a member of the dance team for the Charlotte Hornets of the NBA. During that time, Vesce seemed to have life and success in the palm of his hands. In 2017, however, her life took a devastating turn when she was diagnosed with a rare form of brain tumor known as paragangliomas or glomus tumors.
The first symptoms started while I was dancing for the Hornets, Vesce recalls. I started going deaf in my right ear and that was the first major symptom. Then successively I dealt with low blood pressure, migraines, extreme nausea and lack of energy. It took the doctors a while to figure out what was wrong with me, because I looked healthy. But after four months of being misdiagnosed, I had a CT scan and they found the tumor, and I was referred to Duke Medical Hospital. They found a second tumor, it was a carotid body tumor, and I was immediately accepted as a patient for surgery and radiation.
Victoria Vesce remained mentally tough during her brain tumor treatment
Proactive as ever, Vesce volunteered to participate in a study for Duke University Hospital, no doubt helping others receive better care as more is learned about these kinds of conditions. I underwent intense surgery, took months to recover, shares. However, I was mentally tough and really focused on health. After I regained some strength and was able to walk again, I went straight to radiation treatments for two months. It was very.
After the radiation, it took another six weeks before Vesce could even bathe on her own, but despite lingering issues like being deaf in her right ear and suffering from migraines, this warrior says she feels super healthy and happy overall. So, what do you attribute her relentless positivity to? Faith and fitness seem to be the key.
Faith was the most important thing, says Vesce. I got into a completely blindsided situation. There was no tangible evidence that I would be fine. I just had to believe it would all work out. That part of my life was really threatening to pull me away from God, and I had to learn to lean on him to get me through. I’ve been really lucky and blessed to have my amazing family, especially my mother (who has since passed away). She was by my side every step of the way.
Victoria Vesce aims to be active every day
For those who may be recovering from brain tumors or any other type of illness or injury, Vesce has an important message. I’d say it’s best to go further, she says. Many people will preach to take you too far. That is not the advice I will give. Give yourself a small goal every day to achieve. For me, initially, it was walking again without feeling dizzy. I gave myself one step to climb each day until I could walk up and down all the stairs without having any more deer legs. Small goals add up to big results!
Vesce says being active is part of her identity, it’s something she’s enjoyed all her life, and she wasn’t about to let her cancer take that away from her. Case in point? In 2022, Vesce had all eyes on her again as she became one Sports illustrated swimsuit finalist. But the work doesn’t end there. Vesce has his own YouTube channel, where you can keep up with his adventurous feats like bow fishing or shooting some really heavy machinery. Vesce has his own podcast and even a new line of DEHART Swim swimwear.
Seriously, one might wonder where he finds the time to fit all of this into his law studies. I’m pretty Type A, so I keep a tight schedule and have all of my days scheduled to a T, says Vesce. My motto is to get the most out of life. Fortunately, his love of life also extends to food. I love food, it’s radiant. I’m Italian, so I love my carbs. I do everything in moderation though. I am currently on a fairly high protein and lean diet.
Victoria Vesce feels that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger
I’ve been going to the gym more recently, says Vesce. My body fluctuates, due to hormones and my brain tumor again. But lately I’ve really been testing my personal limits by dialing in my nutrition and health. I did body allergy testing to make the most of my health.
Vesce tells M&F Hers that her favorite ways to train are Rumble Boxing, Hot Yoga and weight circuiting because she likes getting her heart racing as much as the rest of her body. I’m training to get strong and potentially compete in some bikini shows, says Vesce, who shared her current glute workout to round out the interview.
We look forward to the possibility of Vesce appearing in a courtroom and on the bodybuilding stage. Who’s gonna bet against this real life superhero!
Victoria Vesces Glute Day Workout
Standing Cable Glute Kickback: 4 sets, 12 reps
Smith Machine Glute Kickback: 4 sets, 12 reps
Smith Machine Frog pump: 4 sets, 12 reps
Barbell Hip Thrust (hold for 3 seconds at the top of the lift): 4 sets, 12 reps
#swimsuit #model #hope #faith #fitness