Traci’s Story

Site created on November 17, 2020

In October 2012 when I was 6 months sober and at the beginning of a 5 year bitter divorce - I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. With everything else I was dealing with at the time, I just didn't have time to fight cancer as well. Then I was lucky and only needed 3 surgeries in a 5 month period to beat the disease.

In the 8 years since my first diagnosis, I have stayed sober, rebuilt my life from scratch, finished my bachelor's degree, and helped build a safe haven for my children.

I thought my cancer story was short. I was wrong. Now my cervical cancer has resurfaced on one of my ovaries in a very large 11.5 cm tumor as well as some smaller ones scattered throughout my abdomen. Apparently I am about to go to war with this disease.

We've created this website to keep family and friends up to date on my and my children's progress (this is their battle, too). We will post ways you can help along the way, if you wish to.do so. Feel free to leave any encouraging words as I am sure many will be needed in the coming weeks.

Thanks for following my journey!

Newest Update

Journal entry by Traci Barber

With great sadness, our family informs you all that Traci passed away peacefully in Advent Health inpatient hospice on October 22nd. Below is her obituary with funeral information. Traci Lynn Barber, 49, of Orlando, passed away on October 22,1921 after a long illness. She was born on April 12, 1972, in Morrow, Georgia and lived in Orlando since she was a child. She graduated from Rollins College and worked for VaxCare. She was also a longstanding member of the Cathedral Church of St. Luke. Traci had a wonderful sense of humor and always could make the best of a bad situation, providing encouragement to others. She loved cats since she was a child and even had one tattooed on her back. But the love of her children and God always came first. The family would like to thank the many individuals who have helped with Traci’s care and with the care of her twins throughout her illness. This includes providing meals, transportation, house cleaning, donations, chaperoning and emotional support. We could not have survived these days without this assistance. The support from her church was never ending. We would like to especially recognize Traci’s employer VaxCare and her colleagues. They are clearly a shining example of a caring company. Traci is survived by her children Tyler (24), and twins Shelby and Erin (15), her parents Barbara Barber and Dan Barber, her brother Henry Butts, and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Services will be November 6 at 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke, 130 N. Magnolia Ave., Orlando, Florida. Attendees are requested to wear masks. There will be a private gathering for family members afterward. DeGusipe Funeral Home of Maitland, Florida is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the go fund me account established in Traci’s name to assist with the care of her children - https://gofund.me/0094a162
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