A beloved Texas TV host has revealed her recent cancer diagnosis, calling it an “unexpected road” ahead.
Tanji Patton, former News 4 San Antonio personality of 17 years and host of food and wine show Goodtaste with Tanji, told followers she was recently diagnosed with a malignant breast tumor. She said, “Many of you have walked this road, so you know the unbelievable rush of emotions that immediately begin swirling through your mind—and yes, the fear.”
In the post, Patton shared a story from a Sunday morning MRI appointment that inspired her to go public with her condition. She said the appointment came at the same time as her church’s 8 a.m. service and that she “wasn’t thrilled. But I also knew the only way through this process was to keep moving forward.” According to Patton, the MRI technician, whose name was Gucci, offered to play the service livestream over the MRI headset.
“I was stunned that she took the time to make that happen for me. For the next 30 minutes while lying inside that machine, I was able to listen to a pastor whose teaching inspires me and to feel the comforting presence of God who continues to carry me through all this,” Patton wrote. She added that Gucci’s kindness inspired her to share the news of her diagnosis and the difference between simply being nice and truly showing up for others.
“The future is still unfolding, but I do know this—I am not walking it alone thanks to my incredible Savior Jesus Christ. Oh, and yes, I plan to continue working on Goodtaste for the Soul as this will be a blip on the radar screen soon,” she wrote. “God’s got my back.”
On Facebook, Patton shared another story from MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. There, she met a woman named Debra Espinoza who, donning a Spurs tee shirt, called out Patton’s name and gave her “the best hug.” Patton said, “I can’t tell you how much her encouragement meant in that moment.” Addressing the outpouring of support, Patton said she is “so grateful for all your prayers and well wishes you’ve sent. Please know I read every single message, and that I’ll continue to do so….I’m praying for all of you too!”