Two Diagnoses. One Faith. Holding Onto Hope Together

My name is Shannon Barker.

Six years ago, our lives changed with these words: Stage IV Colorectal Cancer. Then, a few months ago, my husband was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer.

Since that day, I have been walking through treatments, scans, surgeries, radiation, and the long in-between of living with incurable cancer. Through it all, I have kept hope alive. I have submerged myself in my faith walk. I am rooted in the belief that even in suffering, Papa is still writing our story.

Recently, we received devastating news — my cancer has metastasized to my brain.

Another storm.

Another mountain.

Another hard conversation with our daughters.

And now, in the midst of my fight, my husband Brett has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer.

Cancer has entered our home twice.

Brett has been our steady anchor — working full-time as a pharmacist, caring for me, loving our girls, holding our family together through every appointment and every unknown. We are deeply grateful for his job and the stability it brings.

I am a pediatric occupational therapist, but when I was diagnosed six years ago, I had to step away from the career I loved to focus on surviving. The loss of my income, the demands of constant treatment, and now Brett’s diagnosis have created a weight that we simply cannot carry alone right now.

Even with insurance and Brett’s income, the financial strain has grown heavier with each year of:

• Ongoing Mayo Clinic travel and lodging

• Six years of mounting medical bills

• My quarterly Signatera blood testing

• Time off work and upcoming treatment costs for Brett

• The unseen, everyday costs of living with terminal illness

We have wrestled with asking for help. Truly.

There is humility in this space. There is vulnerability.

But there is also community.

We believe in the goodness of people. We believe that Papa will send those whom feel called to ease our financial burdens. He always sends the helpers.

If you feel led to give, to pray, or simply to share our story — please know that it matters more than we can say. Your generosity becomes provision. Your prayers become strength. Your kindness becomes light in a very heavy season.

We are still holding onto hope.

Still trusting in Papa’s timing.

Still believing that even here — especially here — we are not alone.

Thank you for standing with us.

With love and deep gratitude,

Shannon & Brett

@blessedlifeliving