Brain Tumor Survivor Raises Awareness of Care Through Padres Experience

UC San Diego Health joins the San Diego Padres in recognizing Andrew Dower and bringing awareness to his brain tumor experience.

Andrew had seizures that were getting closer together over several years. When they became a monthly occurrence, he sought diagnosis and treatment at UC San Diego Health with neurosurgeon Alexander Khalessi, MD, and epilepsy expert Jerry Shih, MD. They determined that the seizures were caused by a tumor in Andrew's right temporal lobe and Dr. Khalessi operated promptly.

A longtime fan, Andrew watched the Padres play while recovering from surgery in the intensive care unit at UC San Diego Health. Two months later, he was able to share his enthusiasm for the team with his family at Petco Park. He is grateful for the treatment he received at UC San Diego Health and the chance to live life to the fullest. According to his wife, UC San Diego Health “moved mountains” to provide excellent care.

Andrew is also grateful to the San Diego Padres for the opportunity to see the game up close and meet the players.

Our Health Care Home Runs program celebrates UC San Diego Health patients with a special behind-the-scenes experience during a San Diego Padres game at Petco Park. These patients, selected by UC San Diego Health, have shown remarkable strength, courage and resolve to overcome their serious illnesses.

0:00 Health Care Home Runs - Neurosurgery
0:20 Meet Andrew Dower
0:45 Care flighted to UC San Diego Health
0:57 Dr. Khalessi finds the tumor
1:30 On the field at a Padres game
2:00 Meeting Josh Hader
2:15 Love and support