“Bartrepreneur” Aaron Peña, co-founder of San Antonio’s Bar Gimme Gimme, Amor Eterno and previously the Squeezebox, revealed Tuesday that he’s formally cancer-free — a milestone revealed simply in time for Thanksgiving.
Peña shared the information on Instagram, some eight months after publicly revealing he’d been identified with aggressive type of testicular most cancers. Though he underwent a profitable surgical procedure early on, docs informed him he would additionally have to endure 12 weeks of chemotherapy.
Peña’s analysis despatched a ripple by way of the native bar and restaurant trade, the place he cuts a high-profile determine.
Talking with the Present, Peña mentioned the second nonetheless feels surreal regardless of receiving two consecutive non-detected check outcomes.
“I nonetheless kinda don’t consider it, regardless that I’ve seen double non-detected check outcomes … . I’m simply approaching it with cautious optimism nonetheless,” he mentioned. “I feel the trauma of the expertise makes you just a little hesitant to say it’s actually over, however I’m so pleased and grateful — and discovering out on the week of Thanksgiving appears very serendipitous. There’s a lot to be grateful for, nothing extra than simply having the ability to maintain going.”
Trying again, Peña mentioned essentially the most significant assist for these battling most cancers typically comes from the straightforward presence of associates somewhat than platitudes.
“The largest assist you can provide somebody is simply listening to them and being there for them, as a result of, 9 occasions out of 10, they don’t wish to discuss their most cancers struggles,” he mentioned. “We search for any type of escape in simply making an attempt to vent and discuss life outdoors of most cancers.”
A whole lot of supporters descended on the again car parking zone of Gimme Gimme in Could for a Fajita Lounge pop-up, which raised cash to cowl Peña’s most cancers therapy. Pals additionally bought prayer candles that includes Peña’s face and the phrases “Saint Peña, the Patron Saint of Southtown.”
Pals additionally confirmed up in power in late August for the Third Annual Fajita Lounge Showdown at Gimme Gimme, once more supporting the bar proprietor’s ongoing battle.
Peña added {that a} victory celebration is already underway.
“I’ve already had some drinks … I didn’t wait,” he quipped. “However I did have my first cigar and a neat reposado tequila after I actually celebrated the information.”
As San Antonio heads into the vacation week, Peña mentioned he’s simply grateful for the possibility to maneuver ahead — a reminder, he notes, that thankfulness can take many varieties.
Workers author Michael Karlis additionally contributed to this report.
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