{"id":405110,"date":"2025-11-26T04:00:23","date_gmt":"2025-11-26T04:00:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/405110\/"},"modified":"2025-11-26T04:00:23","modified_gmt":"2025-11-26T04:00:23","slug":"bar-gimme-gimme-amor-eterno-co-founder-aaron-pena-reveals-hes-cancer-free","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/405110\/","title":{"rendered":"Bar Gimme Gimme, Amor Eterno co-founder Aaron Pe\u00f1a reveals he\u2019s cancer-free"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"AaronAaron Pe\u00f1a poses for a photo at Bar Gimme Gimme. Credit: Instagram \/ elgallonegro13<\/p>\n

\u201cBartrepreneur\u201d Aaron Pe\u00f1a, co-founder of San Antonio\u2019s Bar Gimme Gimme, Amor Eterno and formerly the Squeezebox, revealed Tuesday that he\u2019s officially cancer-free \u2014 a milestone revealed just in time for Thanksgiving. <\/p>\n

Pe\u00f1a shared the news on Instagram, some eight months after publicly revealing he\u2019d 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.<\/p>\n

Pe\u00f1a\u2019s diagnosis sent a ripple through the local bar and restaurant industry, where he cuts a high-profile figure.<\/p>\n

Speaking with the Current, Pe\u00f1a said the moment still feels surreal despite receiving two consecutive non-detected test results.<\/p>\n

\u201cI still kinda don\u2019t believe it, even though I\u2019ve seen double non-detected test results \u2026 . I\u2019m just approaching it with cautious optimism still,\u201d he said. \u201cI think the trauma of the experience makes you a little hesitant to say it\u2019s really over, but I\u2019m so happy and thankful \u2014 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking back, Pe\u00f1a said the most meaningful support for those battling cancer often comes from the simple presence of friends rather than platitudes.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe biggest support you can give someone is just listening to them and being there for them, because, nine times out of 10, they don\u2019t want to talk about their cancer struggles,\u201d he said. \u201cWe look for any form of escape in just trying to vent and talk about life outside of cancer.\u201d<\/p>\n

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 Pe\u00f1a\u2019s cancer treatment. Friends also sold prayer candles featuring Pe\u00f1a\u2019s face and the words \u201cSaint Pe\u00f1a, the Patron Saint of Southtown.\u201d<\/p>\n

Friends also showed up in force in late August for the Third Annual Fajita Lounge Showdown at Gimme Gimme, again supporting the bar owner\u2019s ongoing battle. \u00a0<\/p>\n

Pe\u00f1a added that a victory celebration is already underway.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve already had some drinks \u2026 I didn\u2019t wait,\u201d he quipped. \u201cBut I did have my first cigar and a neat reposado tequila when I really celebrated the news.\u201d<\/p>\n

As San Antonio heads into the holiday week, Pe\u00f1a said he\u2019s just grateful for the chance to move forward \u2014 a reminder, he notes, that thankfulness can take many forms.<\/p>\n

Staff writer Michael Karlis also contributed to this report.<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\t\tThe owner of Amor Eterno and Gimme Gimme begins chemotherapy in June.\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\t\tGimme Gimme and sister wine bar A Perfect Day will open inside the space once occupied by Francis Bogside.\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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