Advertisement Teenager belts out song during brain surgery to preserve her ability to sing She is now recovering Share Shares Copy Link Copy

A teenager in Seattle is recovering from brain surgery that could have compromised her vocal skills if it weren’t for her interesting method to preserving them during the procedure. Kira Iaconetti, 19, has been involved in music since she was 6 years old, according to KIRO, and she isn’t interested in stopping any time soon. In fact, she wishes to makes a career out of it. Four years ago, though, she started to notice fatigue after she would sing or listen to music. After ignoring the odd issue for a time, Iaconetti realized she needed to visit a doctor. She was diagnosed with a rare form of epilepsy that only triggered seizures when she was performing or listening to music. An MRI scan discovered a marble-sized lump on the right temporal lobe of her brain.When she discovered her brain would have to undergo surgery to remove the tumor, Iaconetti was nervous she would lose her ability to sing. So, her doctor came up with an idea. Dr. Jason Hauptman, a neurosurgeon at Seattle Children's Hospital, proposed a procedure called an "awake craniotomy" where she would be singing during surgery to help him find the areas to protect. “If this is what it takes to keep my career going and get out of my tiny town, then sure, go for it,” Iaconetti told KIRO. As for her song choice, Iconetti landed on “Island in the Sun” by Weezer.Now, she is recovering at Seattle Children's Hospital.