A Class Act

Texarkana native Emma Grace Beck overcame a cancer diagnosis to fulfill her teaching dreams
By Sarah Vammen

photo by shane darby.

Emma Grace Beck was a typical college student at Texas A&M–Texarkana, studying early childhood education. She took 15 hours of classes, attended sporting events, spent time with friends and family, and made the most out of life at 21 years old.  Everything was going according to plan.

Emma graduated from Texas A&M University–Texarkana in May 2025. submitted photo.

But in the summer of 2024, Emma’s life changed completely. “I got sick and had what we thought was an enlarged lymph node,” she said. “I had some lab work done, which showed my white blood cell count was high.” Emma was referred to local ENT Dr. Paul Whitt, who conducted a CT scan and prescribed antibiotics. Despite the medication, the enlarged lymph node remained and required surgical removal.

After her lymph node removal surgery on October 11th, Emma waited 10 days for pathology results. When she went back to Dr. Whitt for her post-op appointment, she was surprised to find both of her parents there to meet her. “It gave it away that something was badly wrong,” she said. Emma was diagnosed with mucoepidermoid carcinoma, a cancer of the salivary gland. 

Initially, Emma’s medical team determined no additional treatment was needed. However, less than two months later, Emma needed another mass surgically removed. “When pathology came back, it was the same cancer,” she explained. This prompted a visit to medical oncologist, Dr. Daphne Taylor, who prescribed radiation treatments with Dr. Charles Matthews, a Texarkana-area radiation oncologist. “He determined I needed to complete 33 treatments of radiation in his office,” she said. Facing a cancer diagnosis and the aggressive treatment that it required was a terrifying new reality that Emma never expected. “There were obviously lots of tears, but more so worry about the unknown of what was to come,” she said. 

The next several weeks were grueling to say the least, as Emma balanced a chaotic schedule of daily radiation treatments with college classes and student teaching. “To start the process, I had labs drawn and was fitted for my mask that I was locked into each day for radiation,” she said. A radiation mask, also known as an immobilization mask, is a custom-fitted, rigid mesh device used during radiotherapy for salivary cancer. It keeps the patient’s head, neck, and shoulders in the exact same position for every treatment session, ensuring the radiation targets the tumor precisely and minimizes damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Emma wore this mask every day through radiation treatment to make sure the radiation hit the right spot. It often left her with what she called “waffle face.” submitted photo.

Emma started her treatments at the start of the new year. Five days a week, for nearly seven weeks, Emma received radiation treatments every day after school. The treatments left her with severe fatigue and little appetite. “I really had to force myself to eat good protein,” she said. “Doing simple tasks like taking a shower and drying my hair took all of my energy.” 

Emma’s boyfriend, Ben Nicklas, helped support her during treatment. submitted photo.

On February 19th, 2025, Emma completed all 33 rounds of treatment and rang the bell, celebrating the end of her treatment. Emma credits her medical team, taking care to list each member: Thomas L. Wilson, MD; Paul Whitt, MD; Daphne Taylor, MD; nurse Crystal Lawless; Charles Matthews, MD; Nurse Practitioner Brandy Smith; and Scott Kohlert, MD. These are the names that Emma has carved into her heart, as they helped her through her diagnosis with an effective treatment plan, offered support at all hours, and helped her get treatment as soon as possible. “You do not have to go far away to the [bigger medical institutions] to receive exceptional care,” she said.

Emma’s parents joined her at the “survivor’s bell” on her last day of treatment. submitted photo.

After a precautionary tonsillectomy this summer, Emma was told there was no more evidence of disease. “I am back to myself, teaching full-time, and enjoying all the little things in life,” she said. Her cancer experience also strengthened her faith. “Without trust in God, I would not be where I am today,” she said. “I grew closer to God during my time of cancer.” In the wake of her cancer, Emma Grace and a friend have since formed a women’s Christian support group, called Rooted & Radiant.

Emma’s medical team included Brandy Smith, FNP-C, and Dr. Charles Matthews, a radiation oncologist. submitted photo.

After completing her cancer treatment, Emma finished school and gained her Texas teaching certification. “I am excited to get my first year of teaching under my belt,” she said. Emma is currently employed at Wake Village Elementary School, where she teaches fifth grade English language arts. She is looking straight ahead, toward a bright future. “I am looking into getting my master’s degree in educational leadership in the coming years to become a principal,” she said.