Katie Barrios

Welcome to our CaringBridge website.

Katie Barrios and her family, including Husband Joe, and children Cole (21) -  his fiance Jenna (20), Samantha (17), Joey (7), and Abigail (6) want to use this site to keep family and friends updated in one place  in order to help alleviate repeated questions. 

Below is a recap of the journey Katie and her family have experienced over the last 22 months.

On January 8, 2017 Katie was getting ready for work  when she collapsed.  Katie ultimately found herself at the University of Wisconsin – Madison hospital where we learned she had a large mass on her brain.  Katie endured eight hours of brain surgery the following day, and was diagnosed with Grade IV Glioblastoma – a very aggressive, malignant brain tumor. 

On Feb 7, 2017 Katie had her second brain surgery and began treatment on February 13, 2017, including  30 rounds of radiation followed by 42 rounds of chemotherapy. Almost a year later, on Jan 9, 2018, Katie went in for her 3rd brain surgery removing the portion of the tumor that grew back. Then on March 8, 2018 she had her fourth surgery to remove fluid on the brain and while inside they were able to remove a pea size tumor that was left from the previous surgery in January.  On March 22, 2018 Katie was told her cancer was in remission, but she was still required her to do an additional 27 rounds of radiation to make sure it was gone.

Throughout this time, Katie and her family had the chance to enjoy some adventures which included a week at Disney World, trips to Philly, Michigan, Kentucky, Las Vegas and Door County Wisconsin. Nothing slowed them down!

Katie received another clean bill of health from her scan on Sept 7, 2018. However, that was short lived.  Katie went to Urgent Care on October 4th, because she was not feeling well (almost like a sinus infection).  She was put on antibiotics and told to rest.  During this time, Katie had lost her voice and was fighting through this cold. 

On Sunday, Oct 28th Katie & Joe were in her parents garage when she experienced a seizure where she was rushed to the hospital.  On Tuesday, Oct 30th Katie was told the cancerous mass had returned and had grown larger than before. The mass extends over the two hemispheres of the brain; thus surgery will not be an option this time and she was advised to go live life and enjoy time with her family and friends. 

At this point, Katie is still feeling strong and promises that she will fight, fight and then fight some more...in her words, "I'm not giving up!" Katie and Joe are planning out the coming weeks which will include a trip to NYC to see the lighting of the Christmas Tree and a trip to Mount Rushmore with their family.

We will continue to post updates and we invite everyone to please use this site to express love, support and encouragement throughout the coming months. 

Thank you for visiting this site and supporting the Barrios Family.