After his battle with cancer, Barry believes God has led him to share his story, serve others and make a difference in his community.

Born in Brooklyn to a close-knit Italian family, Barry
Dagestino learned early the importance of faith, family,
service and community. Those values guided him through a successful career, raising four sons and building a life filled with passions, from collecting vintage radios to cheering on his beloved Dodgers. Then, in 2015, Barry’s life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, launching him into one of the most difficult challenges of his life.

The months that followed tested Barry’s strength in ways he never imagined. There were moments when the road ahead felt uncertain, but he refused to lose hope. He leaned on his faith, his family and especially his wife, Kathy, whose unwavering support carried him through treatment. One message stayed with him throughout the journey: “This is not a death sentence. We will get through it.”

Barry remembers not only the treatment he received at
Providence St. Jude’s Crosson Cancer Institute, but also the compassion that surrounded him during one of the most difficult chapters of his life. The physicians, nurses,
nutritionists and caregivers who stood beside him provided far more than medical expertise. They offered reassurance, dignity and hope when he needed it most.

Today, Barry remains cancer-free and looks back on his
journey with profound gratitude for the care he received and for the perspective that shapes how he lives each day. He believes he has been blessed with the opportunity to make a difference.

Rather than viewing his survival as the end of a difficult
journey, Barry sees it as a calling to serve, share his story and give back to the community that helped save his life.

Last year, he proudly took the runway as a cancer survivor
at A Walk Among the Stars Fashion Show & Gala, his story helping raise more than $1 million for cancer care. Barry and his family look forward to returning to A Walk Among the Stars each year, carrying forward a legacy of gratitude and support for the patients and families who will follow in his footsteps.

As a grateful patient, father, grandfather and
philanthropist, he hopes to inspire future generations to
embrace service, generosity and compassion. His
philosophy is captured perfectly in one of his favorite
sayings: “The only thing you get to take to heaven is what you give to others.” It is a belief he has lived by throughout his life and one that continues to guide his support of Providence St. Jude.

Connect with us today to learn how you can advance cancer care at Providence St. Jude Medical Center.