Barbara Colonna

Barbara was diagnosed in the autumn of 2023 with Esophageal Cancer. Barb had struggled with difficulty swallowing for some time but had dismissed it as acid reflux. Being a native New Englander – tough as nails and not one to miss a day’s work – she assured herself that she was fine and that things would improve with time. But as eating became more difficult and her weight began to drop, Barb sought medical attention. After being examined by her physician, an endoscopy and biopsy led to her being referred to an oncologist where, ultimately, her cancer was identified.

More common in men than women, Esophageal Cancer is a fairly rare but aggressive disease that effects the muscular tube that moves food from your throat to your stomach. The disease typically begins in the cells that line the esophagus. As the mass grows, it can interrupt normal swallowing and present symptoms including heartburn, vomiting, hoarseness or a chronic cough, and weight loss.

So far, Barb has endured two rounds of chemotherapy, the second round being combined with radiation. Her tumor has been significantly reduced in size, but surgical removal is not an option. Currently, Barb’s medical team is evaluating her situation, and she expects to learn more as we move into fall.

Barb is a loving sister and the favorite aunt of her many nieces and nephews. She is generous to a fault, with a heart the size of Wyoming. She has worked at Wellesley College for more than 45 years, and is quite likely the longest tenured employee on their staff. She loves the outdoors, savors crisp fall nights at her New Hampshire campsite and spends two precious weeks each fall at her family’s summer cottage in North Truro, MA. She is a fabulous cook, famous within the family for her luscious desserts, and has a special affinity for pets and animals of every size, shape, color and kind.

Barb was nominated to be a 2024 Warrior by her brother John, who will be making his third C3 ride to Maine this year. She is tremendously honored to be part of the C3 Warrior team, and looks forward to greeting John upon the team’s arrival in Lewiston.