Texas Veterans Group Celebrates Cancer Survivors Since 2019

When Antonio Patterson felt a small lump on his neck, his mom Caren Chen thought antibiotics would clear it up. Within weeks, that pea-sized bump grew to the size of a golf ball.

Doctors diagnosed Antonio with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, an aggressive cancer in the upper throat. Walking out of the hospital, the young man turned to his terrified mother with words that would carry them through the fight ahead: "Mom, it's OK. I got this. I'm going to fight this and I'm going to win."

Doctors warned the family to prepare for 18 months of grueling treatment. Antonio might lose his hair, his ability to care for himself, even basic daily functions. Instead, he powered through five and a half months of chemotherapy and radiation before ringing the bell as cancer-free.

Two weeks ago, his latest scan confirmed what his determination promised: still cancer-free.

Chen shared Antonio's story at the Star Group Veterans Helping Veterans annual Cancer Survivors Celebration in Copperas Cove over the weekend. The community event, which started in 2019, brings together cancer survivors and their families each June to "celebrate life and inspire hope."

Three other speakers joined Chen on stage, including Killeen residents Joann and Ray Cote, and Dawn Hale from Copperas Cove. Each shared their own battles with the disease that affects more than 2 million Americans every year.

The standing-room-only crowd fell silent during an empty table ceremony honoring those who didn't survive their cancer diagnosis. The tribute mirrors a military tradition, with an unoccupied table draped in white cloth and an empty chair, representing the bitter absence of loved ones lost.

Star Group member Karen Powell performed a sign language interpretation of "Celebrate Me" that left many wiping away tears. Among the attendees was Della Perry, a 20-year Army veteran and breast cancer survivor who recently returned from Kuwait, where she worked as a government contractor.

Why This Inspires

There are 18 million cancer survivors in the United States today, a number projected to grow to 22.5 million by 2032. Behind each statistic stands someone like Antonio, who faced down fear with courage, or Della Perry, who supports other survivors even while deployed overseas.

The Star Group has served its community since 2012, organizing turkey giveaways at Thanksgiving, school supply drives, and helping veterans navigate benefit claims. Their cancer celebration adds another layer of support to a network of over 300 members committed to lifting each other up.

Antonio's fight reminds us that even when doctors prepare us for the worst, hope and determination can rewrite the timeline.