Love the Barkers

Many of you reading this know Annette Barker or the Barker family (Randy, Alyssa, Mike, Rachel & Nolan). If you don’t know them as well, they are a very giving, loving family who believes in supporting the communities in which they live and work in, and they are always positive and optimistic, regardless of what may come their way. They’ll tell you, we are the “Barkers” and that simple statement symbolizes their love, care and commitment to one another.

In April 2016, life took a turn, and Annette was diagnosed with colon cancer.  She endured a very aggressive treatment plan over many months, which included surgery, chemotherapy and much focus on wellness care. With her supportive children and husband by her side throughout her difficult journey, she was on her road to remission.  Feeling blessed and grateful for her life, Annette continued to enrich those around her with her kindness, positive spirit and expansive knowledge of wellness.

Unfortunately, during a follow-up visit in June of 2017, cancer returned and was found on her liver.  She continued to remain positive and endured yet another difficult surgery and treatments to eradicate the cancer.  Again, Annette was on her road to remission and living her life true to this…health conscious, heart forward, and appreciative of each day.

Last month brought discouraging news to the Barker family. At her next follow-up visit, doctors found two large tumors on her liver. They have identified these tumors are very difficult to treat. She has started chemotherapy treatments and is traveling to Mayo in Rochester for an undefined period of time followed by more treatment options. This brings much hope! She is determined to continue living her life and is once again working towards wellness and her road to remission. She’s a believer and determined to beat this awful disease, and WE NEED YOUR HELP IN SUPPORTING ANNETTE AND HER FAMILY.

Given the demands of treatment and Annette’s desire to focus exclusively on her health, Annette is not working. Her husband Randy, although supported by a great university that is allowing him time to be by her side during this intense treatment, will also need time off work.  The costs of travel, treatments, and maintaining a family through this will be expensive. Many of you in our community have already asked what can be done to help? The best thing we can do for the Barker family is provide them with financial support. Let’s do something amazing for the Barkers and bless them with financial peace of mind. Thank you for your generosity! Thank you for your prayers!  Let’s all support the Barkers on Annette’s road to remission.