“Bachelor in Paradise” alum Joe Amabile is reportedly staying active and maintaining a positive outlook as he prepares to undergo brain surgery. The 40-year-old reality star revealed in July that doctors discovered a blueberry-sized lesion on his brain that appeared to be a glioma. He is now scheduled to have it removed and tested. As Joe Amabile’s surgery approaches, fellow Bachelor Nation star Dylan Barbour has offered an encouraging update about his close friend’s condition.
Barbour recently spent time with Amabile in the Hamptons and told Us Weekly that the “Click Bait” podcast alum appeared to be doing well despite the health ordeal. “I just saw Joe in the Hamptons,” Barbour shared, adding that “he’s doing well.”
“It’s good to see him. Good to spend time with him. I talk to him weekly,” the 32-year-old continued.
Although Amabile has been able to maintain his regular routine, Barbour acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming operation. “Surgery is coming up, but we’re praying for him. Obviously, my whole family is thinking about him,” he said.
Barbour also reflected on the friendship their families have developed away from the cameras. “Joe’s the best. We spent summers together at our lake house. We went to the Hamptons. Him and Serena [Pitt] couldn’t be better people,” he said, referring to Joe’s wife, whom he met through Bachelor Nation. “I’m hoping for the best.”
Joe Amabile Revealed Doctors Found A Brain Lesion
5Amabile disclosed his diagnosis to his nearly one million Instagram followers after undergoing a full-body Prenuvo scan. The television personality explained that the scan revealed something concerning, prompting doctors to order an MRI for a closer look. “I didn’t share my Prenuvo results because they ended up finding a lesion on my brain, so then I had to go get a brain MRI, and there was a blueberry-size lesion in my brain that looks to be a glioma, which is a tumor,” he said.
Amabile emphasized that the lesion still needs to be removed and tested before he knows more about his condition. “So I now need to get brain surgery to get it removed and get it tested, and then we’re gonna go from there. So it’s been a wild couple weeks. Definitely wasn’t expecting this,” he continued.
The unexpected discovery forced Amabile to confront a medical situation he never imagined experiencing himself. “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,” he admitted.
‘Bachelor In Paradise’ Star Remains Hopeful
5Despite the uncertainty, Amabile said doctors believe the tumor was found in its early stages. “They say it’s really early stages. I hope they are able to get it all, and I’m fine. But I will keep you updated,” he told his followers.
Barbour said Amabile has continued taking care of himself while waiting for the procedure. “He’s healthy, working out, eating well,” the reality star shared.
Amabile also acknowledged that he initially struggled with how much of the experience he wanted to discuss publicly. He ultimately decided to be open because the diagnosis had become an unavoidable part of his life.
“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. “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. Onto a new journey.”
Serena Pitt Prepares For Her Husband’s Recovery
5Amabile’s wife, Serena Pitt, has been preparing their home and gathering supplies to make his recovery as comfortable as possible. The couple met during the seventh season of “Bachelor in Paradise” and tied the knot in 2022.
With the surgery approaching, Pitt turned to her Instagram followers for advice from anyone who had either undergone brain surgery or cared for someone during recovery. “It’s hard to believe we’re only about a week away from Joe’s surgery. I’m in full prep mode, trying to think of everything that might make his recovery as comfortable as possible and help us feel a little more prepared for the weeks ahead,” she wrote.
Pitt admitted that she wanted to ensure she had considered anything her husband might need once he returned home. “If you’ve been through brain surgery yourself or cared for someone who has, I’d be so grateful for any recommendations, must-have recovery items, or things that made the recovery process a little easier,” she added.
Bachelor Nation Faced A Different Crisis Earlier This Year
5Amabile’s health battle comes during an eventful year for Bachelor Nation, which also saw ABC abruptly cancel Taylor Frankie Paul’s fully filmed season of “The Bachelorette” just three days before its scheduled premiere.
The network pulled the season after TMZ published footage from a 2023 incident involving Paul and her former boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen. The video reportedly showed Paul punching and kicking Mortensen and throwing metal bar stools as a young child cried nearby.
Disney and ABC subsequently said their focus was on supporting the family. The cancellation marked a dramatic reversal for the franchise, as “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star had been selected as its first Bachelorette from outside the traditional “Bachelor” universe.
Paul was arrested following the 2023 incident and later entered a plea in abeyance to aggravated assault. The remaining domestic violence and child presence charges were dismissed.