On December 27th 2024, I was diagnosed with brain cancer; grade 3 astrocytoma.

This is not a curable cancer, so the goal is to stabilize it and prevent it from growing further. Thankfully, the type that I have is more receptive to treatment due to an IDH mutation. I have two brain tumors, one in each side of my brain. The tumor on the left side is in the area of my brain that is focused on speech & movement of the right side of my body. The other tumor on my right side is smaller & located in the primary spot of the brain responsible for all body movement. While I have these tumors in these inconvenient places, this does not mean that my ability to function normally has changed. My ability to speak & move my body will continue to remain normal until my tumors grow excessively; which could take a handful or several years to happen.

I had brain surgery in Chicago on December 4th 2025 where they removed 2.5 inches of the left tumor to give my brain some ease & to find out what exactly was growing. That was not the whole tumor & I have undergone my radiation treatment Jan-March 2025. For the foreseeable future, I will be locked in to rounds of chemotherapy treatment. These treatments help block cancer cell reproduction. Unfortunately, these treatments also block my healthy cells from reproducing; which does greatly impact my immune system.  

Despite my diagnosis, I was able to create an LLC in June 2025. I do not intend to let this cancer diagnosis stop me from creating & sharing the sweets that I love. If you are interested in placing a private dessert order or hiring me for catering, please email me at vanenkevortalex@gmail.com.