Maria Barile
Meet Maria Barile
Maria Barile is the heart of her family. A devoted wife and a loving mother of four daughters, she’s always been known for her gentle spirit and quiet strength. But when life changed suddenly, Maria’s strength became something far more profound.
Fourteen months ago, Maria was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. She had never smoked a day in her life.
In the midst of her diagnosis, Maria turned to the people she loves most, her family. Her daughters created a mantra just for her that they still repeat to this day. A quiet battle cry. A reminder of who she is, even on the hardest of days: “You are strong and amazing.”
Fueled by their love and encouragement, Maria reminds herself of that strength everyday as she navigates cancer treatment. This is her story.
Family Is Her Strength
It all started in November 2023 with what seemed like a simple cold; a dry cough that lingered. While annoying, it didn’t seem like anything out of the ordinary. By February, the cough hadn’t gone away. Her dear friend Jody, concerned and persistent, urged her to get checked. Maria complied and visited an urgent care clinic; a decision she now considers lifesaving. When the tests showed something irregular, her doctors took swift action.
Maria was given a diagnosis that shattered the life she knew – the kind of moment you can’t prepare for. One day you’re a mom, planning dinners and school drop offs and the next, you’re a patient, navigating appointments, test results, and life-altering decisions.
Maria was told she required treatment that wasn’t available locally, which meant long trips to Toronto, every single week, for six months.
Her devoted husband, Joe, has never left her side. On every drive up Highway 401, in every waiting room, through every moment of fear or uncertainty, Joe was there.
Traveling for care meant time away from their incredible daughters, Isabella (22), Sophia (20), Gabriella (17) and Olivia (11). That sacrifice, though necessary, cuts deep. Maria’s mom and sisters step in to care for the girls, keeping things as “normal” as possible. While incredibly appreciative of the support, the days away from her daughters are terribly difficult.
Today, Maria continues to travel every two months for scans (MRI and CT), lab work, and clinical trial appointments, holding onto the hope that this treatment could not only help her, but maybe one day help others too.
“I want to give a sense of hope… that maybe taking a risk is worth it all.”
Maria didn’t choose this path. But she did choose to speak out, to become a Show Us Your Brave Ambassador because she knows someone out there may need to hear her story. Maybe they’re in the waiting room, or feeling lost. If sharing her experience helps even one person feel less alone, it’s worth every word. While Maria currently must travel for treatment, she is committed to raising funds and awareness in support of greater access to world class cancer care here in our hometown.
Show Your Support For Maria
Maria Barile is one of three 2025 Show Us Your Brave Ambassadors. Alongside Joe Beneteau and Lisa Shulman, she is sharing her story so that more cancer patients can receive the care they need without ever having to leave home. When you support Maria, you’re ensuring patients will continue to receive world class cancer care close to home – patients like her.
Because no mother should have to choose between necessary treatment and the children who need her.