Joe Amabile reveals early stage brain tumor diagnosis and upcoming surgery

Joe Amabile reveals early stage brain tumor diagnosis and upcoming surgery

Joe Amabile, the reality television personality known to fans as Grocery Store Joe, announced on Monday that he has been diagnosed with an early-stage brain tumor. The 40-year-old shared the news via an Instagram video, detailing a sudden medical journey that began with a routine health scan.

The discovery occurred after Amabile underwent a Prenuvo full-body MRI scan. While the initial results revealed a lesion in his brain, subsequent testing was required for a clearer diagnosis. Amabile explained that a following brain MRI uncovered a blueberry-sized lesion that appears to be a glioma. According to Cleveland Clinic, gliomas are primary tumors found in the spinal cord and brain, accounting for about 80% of all malignant brain tumors.

Amabile is now scheduled to undergo a craniotomy in two weeks to have the mass removed and tested. The procedure will take place at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. He noted that he hopes doctors will be able to remove the entire tumor.

The diagnosis came as a shock to the former contestant. "I think it’s one of those things where you’re like, ‘Oh, something like this will never happen to me’ — and here I am,"Joe Amabile, via Instagram he said, describing the last few weeks as wild.

In the caption of his post, Amabile admitted he had struggled with the decision of whether to share his health status on social media. He ultimately decided to post the update because the situation is now part of my life and he is embarking on a new journey. He stated he is doing his best to remain positive and feels lucky to have support from friends and family.

Amabile's wife, Serena Pitt, expressed her support in the comments of the post, writing, You’re so strong and we’re going to get through this together I love you. The couple, who currently co-host the Not Married To This with Serena and Joe podcast, met during Season 7 of Bachelor in Paradise. They became engaged during the 2021 finale and married in a New York City courthouse on October 27, 2022, followed by a larger wedding ceremony in September 2023.

The news prompted a wave of support from his peers in the reality TV community. Bachelorette Season 17 star Thomas Jacobs joked about Amabile's background in produce, stating, This little blueberry doesn’t stand a chance! Other well-wishers included Wells Adams, Dale Moss, and Joey Graziadei, the latter of whom mentioned looking forward to playing a round of golf with Amabile once he recovers. Alan Bersten, a professional dancer from Dancing With the Stars, also sent positivity and support.

Amabile first entered the public eye in 2018 as a contestant on Season 14 of The Bachelorette, where he competed for Becca Kufrin before being eliminated on the first night. His popularity grew during his appearances on Season 5 and Season 7 of Bachelor in Paradise. In 2018, he also competed on Season 27 of Dancing With the Stars alongside professional partner Jenna Johnson; the pair finished in fifth place, tying with Juan Pablo Di Pace during Week 8.

Amabile has committed to keeping his followers updated as he moves toward his surgery date in two weeks.