Joe Amabile is opening up about an unexpected health scare after doctors found what appears to be an early-stage brain tumor.
People reported that the Bachelor in Paradise alum, known to fans as “Grocery Store Joe,” shared the news in a video posted Monday, July 13. TMZ reported that Amabile said the diagnosis was unexpected and came after additional testing.
Amabile said he chose to speak publicly because the health issue is now part of his life, even though he had first debated whether to keep it private.
Doctors Found a “Blueberry-Sized” Lesion
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Amabile said he first had a full-body scan, then went for a brain MRI after doctors found a lesion. He said the MRI showed a “blueberry-sized” lesion in his brain that looks like a glioma, which is a type of tumor.
The reality star made clear that doctors still need to remove and test it.
“I definitely wasn’t expecting this,” Amabile said, adding that the discovery came as the kind of news people often assume will not happen to them.
He Is Scheduled for Brain Surgery
Amabile said he is set to undergo brain surgery in two weeks to have the lesion removed. In his Instagram caption, he wrote that the procedure will be a craniotomy at Memorial Sloan Kettering.
He admitted the past month has brought “a lot of ups and downs,” but said he is trying to stay positive. He also said doctors believe it is in the early stages and that he hopes they will be able to remove it completely.
Amabile thanked his family, friends and doctors for helping him through the diagnosis and the planning for surgery.
Serena Pitt Publicly Supported Him
Amabile’s wife, Serena Pitt, responded to his post with a supportive message. People reported that Pitt wrote, “You’re so strong and we’re going to get through this together,” adding that she loves him.
The couple met on Bachelor in Paradise and left the show engaged. They married in a courthouse ceremony in 2022, then celebrated with a larger wedding in Charleston, South Carolina, in 2023.
People also noted that Amabile and Pitt currently co-host the podcast Not Married To This with Serena and Joe.
Bachelor Nation Sent Encouragement
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Amabile’s comments quickly filled with support from Bachelor Nation and other reality-TV friends. Entertainment Weekly reported that the official Bachelor Nation account sent love to both Amabile and Pitt.
Other familiar franchise names also encouraged him, including Wells Adams and Thomas Jacobs.
He Said He Will Keep Fans Updated
Amabile said he debated whether to talk publicly about the diagnosis before deciding that it is now part of his life.
He told followers he would keep them updated as he begins this new medical chapter. In his caption, he said he is grateful for the support around him and is “ready to take this on.”