A mother and teacher from Stanhope, New Jersey, Selena Campione, recently underwent a groundbreaking brain surgery procedure that showcased her deep admiration for Taylor Swift. The surgery, which occurred on January 31, 2024, was anything but ordinary.
In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Campione shared her journey of seeking medical help after experiencing troubling symptoms starting in March 2023. She described her initial symptoms as “tingling and numbness on the right side of her body,” which progressed to affecting her ability to hold objects and speak clearly. Campione’s determination to find answers led her to consult various specialists, undergo multiple hospital stays, and try eight different medications.
It wasn’t until she connected with Dr. Nitesh Patel, a renowned neurosurgeon at Hackensack Meridian Health at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, that Campione received a definitive diagnosis. Dr. Patel’s expertise revealed a low-grade glioma on the left side of her brain, explaining the troubling symptoms on her right side.
The recommended solution was an awake craniotomy, a procedure where the patient remains conscious during brain surgery. Campione admitted her initial fear upon learning she would be awake during the procedure but recognized the necessity as her condition wasn’t improving.
Campione recalled that her memory of the surgery was hazy, mentioning that she vaguely recalled hearing Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” playing in the operating room. “I felt completely unaware. I had no idea of what was happening,” she explained. “It didn’t even register to me that my head was being operated on.”
She further elaborated, “I had no clue that I was singing until I watched the videos of myself singing.”
During the surgery, Campione’s love for Taylor Swift became a pivotal part of the process. Dr. Patel encouraged her to sing Swift’s songs, utilizing this unique approach to test critical brain areas related to speech and motor function. Campione’s daughters, avid Swift fans, eagerly supported their mother’s musical contributions during this challenging time.
Reflecting on the surgery, Campione expressed amazement, saying, “I didn’t even know I was singing until I saw all these videos of me singing.” Dr. Patel humorously remarked about Campione’s repertoire, stating, “Basically, she did the Eras Tour for us.” The doctor recalls her singing “Bad Blood, 22, and You Need to Calm Down”.
This innovative approach, blending medical expertise with personal passion, highlights the resilience and determination of individuals facing significant health challenges.
