From Public Servant to Patient: Alicia Crank's Candid Conversation on Her Pituitary Tumor Diagnosis
By Staff Reports
A pillar of the Seattle and Snohomish County communities, Alicia Crank is a familiar and friendly face to many, especially to the Converge Media family. A frequent guest and guest host on "The Day With Trae," Alicia is known for her vibrant personality and her deep commitment to nonprofit work and civic engagement. She recently shared with the Converge Media team a very personal and challenging chapter of her life: her journey to a major surgery.
For the past year and a half, Alicia had been grappling with a series of puzzling symptoms. As a public figure who is "always kind of being cognizant of what I say and how I say it", she was worried about the perception people had of her when she would experience balance issues and walk into walls. In the interview, she candidly recalled, “I don't want to have a perception out there that Alicia is tipsy and walking around I can't handle her liquor or whatever”.
She also experienced memory issues, which were especially difficult for someone so involved in public life and with multiple professional and community commitments. Alicia found herself "cutting people off a lot because I was like, if I don't say it, I'm going to lose it, you know, in the midst of an idea or a thought". She even stepped back from several board positions, including her role as treasurer for the Hazel Miller Foundation, because she realized she couldn't "stay on top of those things". Before the diagnosis, she chalked many of these symptoms up to perimenopause, but she felt that something more was happening, asking herself, "why are all these things separately happening almost all at the same time?".
The answer came from an unexpected source. A persistent case of tinnitus, a ringing in her right ear, led her to a hearing doctor. While an initial MRI was clear, a follow-up scan incidentally revealed a pituitary tumor. This discovery finally brought all the pieces together for Alicia. "I'm glad to know that all of these pieces of ailments, finally, kind of have a connective tissue", she said. The tumor was the root cause of her balance and memory issues11.
Alicia is now preparing for a "trans nasal resectioning surgery," a procedure where surgeons will access the tumor through the nose. This is considered the "least riskiest" option, and the process from diagnosis to surgery has moved surprisingly fast. Alicia shared that after years of tests and appointments, the diagnosis was made just two weeks before the scheduled surgery date.
Known for her active lifestyle and passion for Seattle sports teams, from the Kraken to the Storm, Alicia is approaching her medical leave with her usual can-do attitude. She recently had what she called her "bucket list weekend," attending a Savannah Bananas game, guest hosting "The Day with Trae," and going to a Kraken game. Now, she is preparing to slow down and rest, a challenge for someone who loves to be on the go. Her recovery is expected to take two to three weeks, and she hopes to be back to at least "half energy by mid-October".
Alicia’s final and most powerful message from the interview was about the crucial need for healthcare advocacy, particularly for Black women. She explained how her symptoms were often "blown off" by doctors, who would suggest waiting or simply offer a prescription without a proper diagnosis. Alicia's persistence and insistence on getting a definitive answer were key to her diagnosis. She encourages everyone to "push for your advocacy and your health, no matter what". Her journey is a testament to the importance of trusting your instincts and prioritizing your well-being.
