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This is our son Corey. He is only 31.
Earlier this year he was complaining of migraines (that he never got before). Then there was the numbness and tingling in one of his legs. With no family doctor since moving to Vancouver Island, he made several trips to Emergency for some relief and requested a CT scan. On September 1, 2025, he went to Emergency once again with another debilitating migraine, but this time he refused to leave without a CT scan (referral was still 2 months away). The CT scan led to another CT scan, which led to an MRI. MRI results led to craniotomy surgery within 36 hours to remove a 5 cm tumour that was causing a mid-line shift in his brain.
Corey was currently in the middle of his 2nd year electrical apprenticeship studies when this occurred. He was determined to finish his studies while recovering from surgery and waiting for the pathology report on the make up of his tumour. While on anti-seizure medication to prevent seizures due to stress on his brain, he went back to school and caught up on all the time he missed. Unfortunately, he was not prescribed his anti-seizure medication near as long as he should have and wasn’t instructed to wean himself from that medication, he suffered a seizure, while at school and on the first day he was told he could drive (2 weeks post surgery). Now, due to his seizure, he was advised not to drive any time soon. Back to Emergency, more school missed. By this time he learned that the specifics of his tumour were not clear and it was being sent from Victoria to Vancouver for further assessment. We were told it was likely not benign but rather likely a low grade cancerous tumour. I’m proud to say, that Corey finished his 2nd year studies with an 84% overall mark. Many days missed and lots of catching up, but he was determined and he’s a fighter.
I’ve created this Go Fund Me for him and his partner Carlie as there are some serious financial hardships ahead of them. Almost 2 months have already passed since the surgery and from what we know, the tumour has since left Vancouver and if it went to Toronto, for further genetic testing, they have been told that will cost $2000. Yes, in Canada, in order to treat him appropriately with chemotherapy, there is a cost. That’s absurd. Tentatively he has been diagnosed with a Grade 3 astrocytoma and the prognosis, depending on either strain, varies. Corey has started his radiation therapy on October 22 and the he will have 32-34 sessions over 6 weeks. Once there is confirmation of his tumour type, he will be getting chemotherapy simultaneously and likely beyond the time frame of his radiation therapy.
Corey and Carlie live 2 hours away from the BC Cancer Centre, in Victoria. Carlie has missed a lot of work so far and Corey can’t go back to work until his treatments are over and he can drive. They are exhausting all resources for various assistance but bills continue to come in. I don’t want to see them lose the life they have created together and I want to see them concentrate on Corey treatments.
Though most of the treatment is covered with Canada’s healthcare system, they have consulted and are going forward with an Integrative Naturopath who specializes in oncology. The treatment includes Modulated Electrohyperthermia. This course of treatment, with numerous supplements, prescriptions, infusions, and the electrohyperthermia, is not covered by our healthcare and is very expensive. This therapy is also offered only in Vancouver and will be provided on the weekends during the weeks Corey will be having radiation treatment during the week in Victoria. Transportation, ferries, lodging, treatment, supplements, prescriptions, infusions, and minimal income are all added expenses that we hope to further raise with this campaign so that Corey can concentrate on fighting this disease and eventually live his best life for years to come. His goal is to get back to work as soon as he can. He loves being an electrician, he’s good at it, and he is determined to get his Red Seal in this trade. His partner Carlie is by his side and continues to work but has had to take off many days so far to deal with the crisis as of September 1st and continues to get Corey to appointments, and she will have to continue taking time off during his treatments over the next two to three months (or so if chemo starts later).
Corey is our son. He is a brother, an uncle, and a father to his 10 year old daughter. Your donation in any amount is appreciated as it all adds up. Your donations will not only assist in their bills and out-of-pocket expenses, but it will provide the reality that additional naturopathic treatment will be possible. Sharing this post is extremely important and I ask, at the very least, to please share this post and his story in order to reach as many people as possible who would be willing to help. Please continue with the positive vibes and/or prays for him during this time.
Organizer and beneficiary
Carlie Barber
Beneficiary






