💔 “I’m Not Hiding Anymore” – Marlyne Barrett Opens Up About Her Private Battle with Cancer
You may know me as Maggie Lockwood from Chicago Med. In 2019, I filmed some of the most emotional scenes of my career, portraying a nurse fighting breast cancer. What I never shared—until now—is that I’ve been fighting cancer myself… quietly, privately, courageously.
In July, doctors found a football-sized tumor on my uterus and left ovary. There were no warning signs, no family history. It hit me like a wave. I remember asking, “Am I going to live?” And then collapsing into my husband’s arms.
I’ve always been a deeply private person, but I knew I had to share this. Because when Maggie went through her battle, fans flooded me with messages. Their strength gave me strength. And now… it’s my turn to return that love.
Since the diagnosis, I’ve begun aggressive chemotherapy and am preparing for a hysterectomy. Some days, I feel broken. I get pins and needles from the treatments. My energy fades. But then I look into the eyes of my 11-month-old twins, Joshuah-Jireh and Ahnne-N’Urya, and I remember why I keep going.
When it came time to lose my hair, I took control. I shaved it myself, in front of my babies, so they’d know: “Mommy is still Mommy.” I cried — not from fear, but from the beauty of that moment.
I’m lucky to have the love of an incredible man — my husband, Gavin. He’s my rock. He massages my hands when I’m in pain. He drops everything just to hold me when I need it. He reminds me, every day, that I’m not alone.
And I’m also held up by my Chicago Med family. Some cast members even shaved their heads in solidarity. The support on set brings me more joy than I can describe. Work helps me forget, even just for a few hours, about chemo appointments and side effects. It gives me purpose.
Why am I telling you this now?
Because so many people are silently struggling, afraid to speak out, afraid to admit they’re scared. But I believe we’re stronger than we think. We just need someone to say it first.
So here I am. Saying it.
I have cancer.
I’m scared sometimes.
But I’m holding onto faith.
I don’t have all the answers. I cry. I rest. I fight. And tomorrow, I’ll wake up and do it all again — not just for me, but for my children. Because I want to be there when they walk down the aisle one day.
If you’re reading this and facing your own battle — you are not alone.
Borrow my strength if you need to.
We are in this together.
With love and hope,
Marlyne Barrett
