28 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Beauty. Poise. Grace. Intellect. These are the key components found within Miss USA pageant contestants. Victoria Vesce, Miss South Carolina USA, possesses a unique blend of these qualities and so much more – compassion, resilience and gratitude to name a few. While attending law school at the College of Charleston, Vesce was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor called a paraganglioma, a type of neuroendocrine tumor that forms near certain blood vessels and nerves outside the adrenal glands. She underwent surgery and endured 31 radiation treatments, all while earning her degree. Soon after her treatments, Vesce lost her mother during the COVID-19 pandemic. Vesce explained, “I lost my mother before she could see me graduate. Those experiences taught me that life is incredibly fragile and that every day is an opportunity to lead with gratitude, compassion and purpose. Surviving a brain tumor while earning my law degree will always be one of my proudest accomplishments. I’m equally proud of creating wellness events that have brought thousands of people together, proving that community can be one of the most powerful forms of healing.” Healing seems to be the foundation for the endeavors of our current Miss South Carolina, a foundation she built through her own adversities. Vesce continued, “My platform is centered on building stronger communities through wellness. I believe movement has the power to improve mental health, create connection and make people feel less alone. Through the wellness events I produce, I’ve been able to partner with local nonprofits and charitable organizations while creating spaces where people can invest in their health. I’m also passionate about brain tumor awareness as a survivor and animal rescue, both of which are deeply personal to me.” Acknowledging the common misconceptions surrounding pageant life, Vesce declared, “Pageants are not only about beauty. In reality, pageantry develops leaders. It challenges women to communicate effectively, serve their communities, advocate for causes they believe in and grow into confident public speakers. The crown is simply the visible part of the work.” Vesce’s openness and humility in sharing her brain tumor journey might seem counterintuitive to a young, beautiful crown competitor, but Vesce’s unconventional approach is sure to resonate with other survivors. Vesce explained, “Beauty is authenticity. It’s having the courage to embrace your story instead of hiding it. Confidence, kindness, resilience and the way you make others feel Strength in Resilience Miss South Carolina uses platform to lift, inspire others BY LAURA FOGARTY
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