Reality star Joe Amabile, well-known to fans as “Grocery Store Joe,” has come forward with a significant health update. In a heartfelt video shared on social media on Monday, July 13, he disclosed that doctors have identified an early-stage brain tumour after finding a lesion during a comprehensive scan.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Joe-Amabile-071326-c7c6d110b3394ad4a7299c2c5bd4b891.jpg)
The former contestant from “The Bachelor” revealed that he will undergo surgery in two weeks to remove the lesion and further examine its nature. In the video, Amabile remarked, “So a little medical update. I didn’t share my Prenuvo results because they ended up finding a lesion in my brain.” He went on to explain that a subsequent MRI uncovered a lesion the size of a blueberry, which appears to be a glioma, a type of brain tumour.
At 40 years old, Amabile expressed his astonishment at the unexpected diagnosis, stating, “It’s been a wild couple of weeks. Definitely wasn’t expecting this.” He reflected on the emotional toll of the news, sharing, “I think it’s one of those things where you’re like, ‘Oh, something like this never happens to me,’ and here I am.”
The reality star, who has previously gained fame through his participation in “The Bachelorette” and “Bachelor in Paradise,” emphasised that he remains optimistic about the situation. He expressed hope that the surgical procedure would effectively address the issue and promised to keep his followers informed about his progress. In the caption of his social media post, he elaborated, “This past month has been a lot of ups and downs to say the least. After multiple scans and MRIs, I have what looks to be an early stage brain tumour.”
Amabile will be undergoing a craniotomy—a surgical operation that involves opening the skull—to have the lesion removed. He noted that despite the frightening diagnosis, he is leaning on the support of family and friends during this challenging time. “I’m doing my best to stay positive during this time and am lucky to have a lot of support from family and friends,” he wrote.
The decision to share such personal health information was not taken lightly by Amabile. He revealed he had wrestled with the idea of sharing his journey with the public but ultimately decided that it was now part of his life. “I’ve gone back and forth about what I wanted to share on social media but ultimately this is now part of my life, so might as well,” he stated. He also added a cheerful note, sharing a photo on his Instagram Stories captioned, “This weekend was a great distraction.”
Among the outpouring of support was a touching message from his wife, Serena Pitt. The 28-year-old reality star responded with words of encouragement in the comments of his post, stating, “You’re so strong and we’re going to get through this together ❤️ I love you.” The couple, who first found love on “Bachelor in Paradise,” married in a civil ceremony in October 2022, followed by a larger celebration in September 2023.
The couple’s journey into their relationship has been widely celebrated by fans. After starring in “Bachelor in Paradise,” where they became engaged, they tied the knot in front of 134 guests during a joyous ceremony in Charleston, South Carolina. The couple have often shared their affection for one another publicly, with Amabile describing the second wedding celebration as “the happiest moment of our lives.” Pitt referred to the event as a “magical day.”
Since their marriage, Amabile and Pitt have enjoyed a flourishing relationship, illustrating their continued love and commitment to one another. Pitt has shared that Amabile surprises her with sweet gestures even months after their wedding, stating, “Joe still just continues to surprise me with little gifts and thoughtful gestures.” Amabile humorously added that Pitt regularly steals the comforter from him each night, showcasing their playful dynamic.
The couple also shares their insights into love and relationships through their podcast, “Not Married To This with Serena and Joe.” Their platform allows them to connect with listeners by sharing personal stories and offering relationship advice, providing a glimpse into their life as a couple.
As Joe Amabile prepares for his upcoming surgery, he holds onto hope and the support of those around him. The reality star has shown remarkable resilience, and his candidness about his health journey may resonate with many who face similar challenges. With a strong support system and a positive mindset, Amabile is ready to navigate this new chapter in his life.