Pleural Mesothelioma Survivor Explains the Importance of His Faith
Stories from Survivors
Written by Travis Rodgers | Edited By Amy Edel
Joey Barna places all of the credit with God for his current condition and for finding his wife. He says his faith in God is the most important thing in his life.
“It’s part of my moral compass,” Joey shares. “It’s what directs me.”
He was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma in 2018 after experiencing trouble breathing and fluid on his lungs. Six years after aggressive pleurectomy and decortication surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Joey dealt with serious side effects from his chemotherapy and immunotherapy. At 61-years-old, he says he feels great now.
Joey tells us he met his wife at church while he was playing in a praise band about 7 years ago. A fellow member of the band had invited her to come to mass.
“As soon as I saw Teresa, it was like the eyes of my heart saw her before the eyes of my head did,” Joey recalls. “I was definitely rolled back on my heels. And that’s how God is with me. He has to hit me in the head with a 2×4 because I can’t take a hint. But it’s always God at the top of the pyramid.”
Teresa and Joey have been married for 5 years. He credits God for keeping their relationship going strong.
“God helps to reinforce our relationship, our journey, our decisions,” Joey says. “He really is just everything to us. God is just everywhere and is involved in everything that I do.”
Faith, Hobbies and Volunteering
Joey shares that faith plays a major role in his guitar playing. He plays every Sunday during Catholic Mass at St. Joseph’s Church in Salem, New Hampshire.
He takes part in weekend retreats through his church. Joey also assists in creating a live stream for parishioners to take part in church services from home.
He’s also a regular volunteer at Lazarus House. This nonprofit organization offers food, shelter, clothing and resources to anyone in need.
“You go in the morning and you’re told, ‘We’re going to put you in charge of bread today.’ So people come in and are given items,” Joey explains. “Depending on the day, you’re giving out bread or milk. But during my chemotherapy I wasn’t able to volunteer since my immune system was knocked down.”
Future Plans & Advice for Mesothelioma Survivors
When asked what he has planned for the future, Joey says his goals are pretty straightforward. He wants to enjoy his life with Teresa.
“My wife and I want to go to Italy. But I really just want to enjoy the future together,” Joey shares. “My wife prays over me. She prays for more time and for us to live a long healthy life. We have so much we want to do together.”
He adds, “Really we just want to enjoy the future together no matter what may pop up and the beautiful people that we may meet together. Our goal is pretty simple, for us to enjoy our lives together.”
For those who have also been diagnosed with mesothelioma, Joey has some advice. He recommends looking beyond statistics.
“There’s life after diagnosis. Don’t let the diagnosis scare you,” he advises. “Don’t lump yourself in with the numbers and statistics that are out there. Know that you are your own individual. Don’t let it overwhelm you. Don’t let it direct your thinking.”
