SAN ANTONIO – After a diagnosis of cancer, many patients and their families can think of little else but the word “cancer.” The Cancer Therapy & Research Center (CTRC) at The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio is hosting its annual Surviving and Thriving Conference, empowering cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers to learn how to conquer their fears, manage their symptoms and find inspiration in the words of nationally acclaimed speakers.
The retreat, to be held May 16-18 at the El Tropicano Riverwalk Hotel, will allow those affected by cancer to spend a tranquil weekend learning a new arsenal of healing strategies. The event is open to persons in the San Antonio area and beyond, whether or not they receive treatment at CTRC.
“Cancer is a disease that affects the total person ― mind, body, and spirit,” says Mary Jackson, director of patient and family services at CTRC. The Surviving and Thriving Conference, which is sponsored by the CTRC Wellness Center and Citi, provides a getaway that supports the needs, both physically and emotionally, of persons who have experienced cancer.
“As a person who was new to the word ‘cancer,’ I found last year’s retreat enlightening and comforting to be around other cancer patients in a non-medical environment,” said Robert Lopez, a lymphoma patient who was diagnosed in 2006. “I met a lot of people who were going through similar situations; some were better off than I, and some had a more difficult road ahead of them. The retreat enabled us to develop a different mind-set in a relaxing environment and build a network of support that we did not previously have.”
The retreat facilitates the interaction of those impacted by cancer, and features many networking and friendship-building activities. Scott Burton, a celebrated cancer survivor, comedian and juggler, will host an evening of comedy. In addition, Lisa Powell, breast cancer survivor and director of nutrition at Tucson’s renowned Canyon Ranch, will provide insight on cancer and healing through proper nutrition, and Planet Cancer Founder and Executive Director Heidi Adams will discuss the impact of a cancer diagnosis on a young adult. During the three-day retreat, participants also will enjoy other elective activities, such as Reiki, dance, massage, journaling, yoga, tai chi, music and meditation.
Guests will stay at the El Tropicano Riverwalk Hotel. The $150 registration fee for the Surviving and Thriving Retreat will cover all lodging, meals, activities and materials for participants. Space is limited and the deadline for registration is April 16, 2008. Additional information about the event, including an agenda, is available by visiting www.ctrc.uthscsa.edu or calling (210) 450-5570.
Calendar Listing
What: Surviving and Thriving Retreat ― An annual gathering held by The Cancer Therapy & Research Center (CTRC) at The UT Health Science Center at San Antonio for cancer survivors and caregivers. Attendees will spend a relaxing weekend learning new ways to promote health and wellness. Both the newly diagnosed and the long-term survivor gain skills and knowledge to enhance life. Participants leave empowered with a new arsenal of healing strategies.
When: May 16-18, 2008
Where: El Tropicano Riverwalk Hotel
Host: Cancer Therapy & Research Center at The UT Health Science Center
Registration: Contact CTRC’s Patient and Family Services office at (210) 450-5570
or visit www.ctrc.uthscsa.edu.
Deadline for registration is April 16, 2008.
Space is limited. Register early!
Cost: $150 (registration fee includes lodging, meals activities and materials)
The Cancer Therapy & Research Center at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, located in San Antonio, Texas, is one of the nation’s leading academic research and treatment centers, serving more than 4.4 million people in the high-growth corridor of Central and South Texas including Austin, San Antonio, Laredo and the Rio Grande Valley. CTRC is one of a few elite cancer centers in the country to be named a National Cancer Institute-designated (NCI) Cancer Center, and is one of only three in Texas. CTRC handles more than 120,000 patient visits each year and is a world leader in developing new drugs to treat cancer. The CTRC Institute for Drug Development (IDD) is internationally recognized for conducting the largest oncology Phase I clinical drug trials program in the world, and has participated in the clinical and/or preclinical development of many of the cancer drugs approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. For more information, visit www.ctrc.uthscsa.edu.