Aaron Peña poses for a photo at Bar Gimme Gimme. Credit: Instagram / elgallonegro13
“Bartrepreneur” Aaron Peña, co-founder of San Antonio’s Bar Gimme Gimme, Amor Eterno and formerly the Squeezebox, revealed Tuesday that he’s officially cancer-free — a milestone revealed just in time for Thanksgiving.
Peña shared the news on Instagram, some eight months after publicly revealing he’d been diagnosed with aggressive form of testicular cancer. Although he underwent a successful surgery early on, doctors told him he would also need to endure 12 weeks of chemotherapy.
Peña’s diagnosis sent a ripple through the local bar and restaurant industry, where he cuts a high-profile figure.
Speaking with the Current, Peña said the moment still feels surreal despite receiving two consecutive non-detected test results.
“I still kinda don’t believe it, even though I’ve seen double non-detected test results … . I’m just approaching it with cautious optimism still,” he said. “I think the trauma of the experience makes you a little hesitant to say it’s really over, but I’m so happy and thankful — and finding out on the week of Thanksgiving seems very serendipitous. There is much to be thankful for, nothing more than just being able to keep going.”
Looking back, Peña said the most meaningful support for those battling cancer often comes from the simple presence of friends rather than platitudes.
“The biggest support you can give someone is just listening to them and being there for them, because, nine times out of 10, they don’t want to talk about their cancer struggles,” he said. “We look for any form of escape in just trying to vent and talk about life outside of cancer.”
Hundreds of supporters descended on the back parking lot of Gimme Gimme in May for a Fajita Lounge pop-up, which raised money to cover Peña’s cancer treatment. Friends also sold prayer candles featuring Peña’s face and the words “Saint Peña, the Patron Saint of Southtown.”
Friends also showed up in force in late August for the Third Annual Fajita Lounge Showdown at Gimme Gimme, again supporting the bar owner’s ongoing battle.
Peña added that a victory celebration is already underway.
“I’ve already had some drinks … I didn’t wait,” he quipped. “But I did have my first cigar and a neat reposado tequila when I really celebrated the news.”
As San Antonio heads into the holiday week, Peña said he’s just grateful for the chance to move forward — a reminder, he notes, that thankfulness can take many forms.
Staff writer Michael Karlis also contributed to this report.
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