A Young Mother’s Fight

Kristina Calnin (Barnes) is a 35 year old wife and mother in the Green Bay, WI area. Affectionately known to many as simply “Tina”, she is also a loving daughter, granddaughter, sister, aunt, friend, neighbor and co-worker. Tina brings no shortage of joy, love and laughter to loved ones. She is honest, has a strong work ethic, with an innate ability to read people, her intuition always spot on and a contagious sense of humor, with a twinkle in her eye that matches her witty charm. Whether she is tending to her garden and chickens, camping with family in the northwoods, catching a rock concert, prepping healthy meals for her husband and son or bonding with her treasured customers at the cafe she waitresses at, Tina’s effervescent energy shines through in all she does!

Most people would never know that despite her positive spirit, Tina is also a childhood cancer survivor. In 1996, at the age of seven, Kristina was diagnosed with a stage 4 Wilms Tumor on her kidney. She spent a significant period of time at Children’s Hospital of Madison, had multiple surgeries, ultimately had her kidney removed and underwent several months of chemotherapy and radiation. Just seven years later, at age 14, she discovered tumors in her breast, resulting in a partial mastectomy (breast removal) surgery.

Kristina went on to graduate and move from the UP (upper Michigan) area and met and married her husband Jeremy with dreams of health and happiness as they began their family and life together.

But in 2019, difficult circumstances struck again as Kristina and Jeremy suffered the loss of their first son, born stillborn.

Their grief was followed by the 2021 miracle of their rainbow baby, Emmett, who is their pride and joy. Kristina is fulfilled by the purpose of motherhood, compassionate and patient, as she nurtures her son’s curiosity and zest for life. He adores his mama and accompanies her almost everywhere she goes.

Kristina, Jeremy and Emmett were over the moon when earlier this year, they realized they would soon grow to be a family of four, with Emmett becoming a big brother. They began eagerly planning, preparing and nesting as Tina lovingly embraced all that pregnancy brings.

In March 2024, adversity struck once more, as what was initially thought to be a bowel obstruction, brought news that Tina had a large mass on her one and only kidney. Further testing confirmed the worst case scenario…and in April 2024, in her first trimester of pregnancy, Kristina was diagnosed with post radiation Leiomyosarcoma, an extremely rare and aggressive cancer that grows on soft tissue and is a result of her childhood cancer treatments. With the odds stacked against Tina and baby, she instinctually and selflessly knew she had no choice but to do everything in her power to protect her unborn child, even waiting until what was deemed a safer time frame to begin chemo treatments, to give their baby the best chance at life. Kristina, Jeremy and Emmett were overjoyed to learn soon after, that baby was a healthy girl, renewing Tina’s fighting spirit and giving her hope and so much to look forward to.

Tina completed her first round of chemotherapy at the end of May. Just one day later, they tragically lost their baby girl.

Despite being heartbroken, Kristina and Jeremy continue to remain positive and lift each other up during this trying time. She has since completed two additional rounds of chemo. And they are preparing for an invasive and complicated surgery on August 6, 2024, to remove the tumor, rebuild the vena cava with artificial parts and possible kidney relocation, with the goal of continued function. Surgery and recovery will include a lengthy stay at Milwaukee’s Froedtert Hospital, which is considered out of network with their insurance. Her husband Jeremy is solely supporting the family with his career as a longtime mechanic. They are accruing many expenses, have lost her income from work indefinitely, while she fights for her health and life, while also caring for her toddler.

Kristina was hospitalized on 7/19/2024 with chest pain, elevated heart and blood pressure rates and fluid in her lungs, awaiting answers and hopeful to move forward with her planned surgery.

Tina is a FIGHTER! She has faith that in sharing her story with others, especially women and mothers with cancer or illnesses, she will inspire strength and HOPE. She believes in the power of prayer, so please lift her up in prayer so she can defy the odds again and continue being the beloved mother, wife and woman so many of us love!

All funds donated will be used toward medical bills, current expenses and lost wages from Kristina’s diagnoses and treatments. Thank you!