By LYNETTE SOWELL-STEVENS
Cove Leader-Press
“No one fights alone” was the theme on Monday morning, as AdventHealth Central Texas and Baylor Scott & White celebrated Cancer Survivor Day on Monday morning.
The event was a way to honor cancer survivor and also give a message of hope to those battling the disease, in whichever form it affects them.
Rob Howe, Director of Operations for Hematology and Oncology at the Killeen Cancer Center, welcomed attendees, particularly addressing any survivors present.
“Today is about hope, courage, and resilience, and about honoring strength that it takes to walk this journey each and every day. You do not fight alone, and we are here with you during this fight,” he said. “We are all working together to support our patients, families, and loved ones, and are privileged to serve you.”
AdventHealth Central Texas CEO Jennifer Swenson talked about the partnership between her organization and Baylor Scott & White.
“I would also like to thank our partner Baylor Scott & White for the valuable relationship that we have that allows cancer patients to be able to stay close to home and receive high quality patient care. I also would like to recognize our providers today who actually work in our cancer center and make the patient’s journey a meaningful one.
“Today we gather to honor courage, celebrate survivorship, and renew our commitment to the future, where cancer is detected earlier, treatments are more effective, and where every survivor has the opportunity to thrive with our mission extending the healing ministry of Christ. Our goal is to improve survivorship through compassionate care, meaningful connections, open access for different procedures, such as colonoscopies and mammograms.”
The free event also included a reading by Copperas Cove Mayor Pro Tem Vonya Hart, during which she read a proclamation signed by Mayor Dan Yancey that designated June 1, 2026 as Cancer Survivor Day.
Baylor Scott & White Oncologist Dr. Ayesha Sheikh is the medical director of the Killeen Cancer Center and talked about what her patients and others like them face.
“This year’s theme, No One Fights Alone, captures something I’ve learned over and over again in oncology,” she said. “When people think about cancer, they often think about scans, surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, but what stands out most to me is not the treatment itself, it’s the people.
“It is the husband who makes sure that the wife never misses an appointment, the daughter who keeps a notebook full of questions, the friend who drives someone to treatment every week, the caregiver who quietly carries the weight of worry, while offering strength and reassurance, and of course, it is the patient who somehow finds the courage to keep moving forward despite uncertainty, fear, and challenges that most people never see.
“Cancer changes lives. It changes priorities. It changes how we view time, relationships, and the moments we often take for granted. Cancer has a way of revealing what matters most, not the things we own or the plans we make, but the people who show up for us when we need them most.”
One of the survivors, Hector Torres has been fighting pancreatic cancer since his diagnosis in December 2022 and shared about his journey.
He knew the odds were against him, even when he underwent surgery in January 2023.
“The odds were not very good, between 15-20 percent, and so I started chemotherapy until around September. Everything was fine, no evidence of cancer. As a matter of fact, when they found the cancer, it wasn’t metastasized, just localized, so I was happy about that,” he said.
However, two months after finishing chemotherapy, they found lesions on his liver, so he had six more months of chemotherapy.
“It was a very bad year for me, for my family. You know, you get all the arrangements, insurance, this and that,” he said. “I was 58 years old, and I’m here today. I say thank you to God, to the nurses, they took care of me, and my doctor,” he said. “There’s always hope. Just don’t lose your hope.”
After the ceremony, attendees were welcomed into the entry lobby of the cancer, where they could don robes and put on boxing gloves in front of a photo backdrop, showing the fighting spirit of cancer survivors. There were a variety of refreshments.
Outside the center, local nonprofit Pink Warrior Angels distributed information about how it comes alongside cancer patients and their families, offering chemo care kits and even financial grants.
Cassie Joffrion, PWA board member, also spoke about what the organization does.
“Our organization believes that everyone deserves support, regardless of your income level. Each month, we review applications and provide financial assistance to help cancer patients and their families with bills and other essential expenses,” Joffrion said. “We also visit cancer treatment centers and distribute chemo care kits.”
She also put out the call for those who are interested in volunteering.
“At Pink Warrior Angels, we believe no one should have to fight alone, and together we can make a difference.”
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