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SO YOU CAN dance run golf play walk garden enjoy WE’RE HERE Life’s simple pleasures are not so simple when you suffer from neck or back pain. At Atlantic NeuroSurgical Specialists (ANS), we make them easier for you to enjoy. The largest neurosurgical practice in New Jersey and one of the most advanced in the country, we treat spinal issues with innovative therapies that don’t necessarily involve surgery. And, when it’s needed – and possible – we use pioneering minimally invasive treatment strategies. Get back to what you love doing the most. Contact us at www.ansdocs.com or call 973.285.7800 . Morristown | Jefferson | Neptune | Summit | Teaneck BEATING THE ODDS: HIGH-RISK NEUROSURGERY SAVES A YOUNG MAN’S LIFE By: Atlantic NeuroSurgical Specialists Today, John Esmeraldino is living the life of a vibrant 24-year-old young professional – thanks to the rarely done, highly dangerous brain surgery performed by Dr. Yaron A. Moshel, MD, PhD, a neurosurgeon at Atlantic NeuroSurgical Specialists (ANS). “We removed a malignant tumor – an ependymoma – inside John’s brain stem,” Dr. Moshel explains. “The brain stem serves as a control center, which makes performing surgery there high risk and something most doctors shy away from. Despite the odds of not surviving the procedure, paralysis and other severe neurologi- cal issues, John insisted on having it… and I knew it was the right thing to do for him.” Here’s John’s story: “A healthy college junior, I drove myself to the emergency room and was admitted to the intensive care unit after experiencing headaches and neck pain for six straight days,” John shares. “John had hydrocephalus – excessive accumulation of fluid in the brain – caused by what appeared to be a benign tumor. We decided to drain the fluid and watch the tumor since surgery to the brain stem is high risk,” Dr. Moshel details. A year later, an MRI revealed aggres- sive growth. Despite the inherent risk, the most proactive approach was removing the tumor so it could be analyzed and treated. The surgery, which involved navigating through the deep corridors of the brain towards the brain stem, went flaw- lessly. The pathology report revealed the tumor was malignant, so John embarked on 27 sessions of radiation. “Counter to what one would think, radiation was an inspiring experi- ence,” John shares. “The same peo- ple were there at 8:30 every morn- ing. I took the initiative to turn that time into a support session. My goal was to bring positivity and make everyone smile, laugh and push aside the doubts in their minds.” That was the start of John’s mission to share his journey and help others. “What I’ve learned through this experience is that faith is every- thing,” John says encouragingly. “You cannot go to war with cancer with a loser’s mentality. You must have faith that everything is going to be ok…” For more information about ependy- moma and other brain tumors, con- tact the ANS Brain Tumor Center at 973-285-7800, and visit ansdocs.com. Atlantic NeuroSurgical Specialists (ANS) is New Jersey’s largest neurosurgical practice and one of the most advanced in the country. Since its founding in 1958, ANS has specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the nerv- ous system. Its Brain Tumor Center – co- directed by Yaron A. Moshel, MD, PhD and Brian D. Beyerl, MD, FACS – is known for its cutting-edge treatments and therapies, many of which are minimally invasive. ANS sponsors The Center for Hope Foundation, a dedicated support group for brain tumor patients and their families. Today, John Esmeraldino (right) is an inspira- tion to others with support from his mother, Sandra, and brother, Steven.