Survive & Thrive Pamphlet

The Surviving and Thriving Retreat is truly a special event. It's a place where cancer survivors and caregivers can get away from the pressure and stress of every day life to gain new skills and knowledge to enhance their quality of life.

People in all stages of survivorship are invited to attend, from the newly diagnosed to those who are many years past treatment. The retreat holds something for everyone.

At the retreat, survivors celebrate life through a variety of workshops, lectures and group activities that promote health & wellness, support, and laughter. Attendees come away feeling empowered and renewed.

Topics span a wide range of subjects. Attendees come away with increased knowledge about long-term side effects, psychosocial adjustment, nutrition support, insurance issues and the numerous other aspects of cancer survivorship. Caregivers learn that they are not alone with their challenges and are given tools to optimize the relationship with their loved-one.

The weekend also provides an opportunity to share your insights with other people who have experienced what you are going through.

Approximately 75 adult cancer survivors and caregivers from throughout Texas are expected to be in attendance for this year's event which is scheduled for April 17 - 19, 2009 at the Y.O. Ranch Resort and Conference Center in Kerrville, Texas. Kerrville is in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, about an hour outside of San Antonio. The theme for the weekend is "Trails to Survivorship".

Space is limited. Register early!

Ruth Pennebaker
Award Winning Author and Speaker
Radio Commentator – KUT Austin Public Radio
Cancer Survivor

Ms. Ruth Pennebaker has written three highly acclaimed young-adult novels as well as essays and articles for the New York Times, Dallas Morning News, Parents, Redbook, McCalls, Cooking Light and other nationwide publications. She is a commentator for KUT, Austin’s public radio station. She is a 14 year cancer survivor. Her recent article published in Heal Magazine talks about being a long-term survivor. Ruth and her sister Ellen, also known as the Fabulous Geezersisters, blog at www.geezersisters.com

Kathleen Smith
American Cancer Society,
New Hampshire
Two-time Cancer Survivor

Kathleen Smith is a community Executive of Income Development for the American Cancer Society in NH.  She sits on the NE Division Survivorship work group and is a registered lobbyist for the ACS at both the State and Federal level.  She volunteers with the Lance Armstrong Foundation and was selected to represent the LAF in Washington D.C. in May of 07.   Ms. Smith was 29 years old when she was first diagnosed with Lung Cancer and was accepted into a phase one trial in Feb of 2006.   After more than 13 months of being Cancer free Ms. Smith was diagnoses with Leukemia.  It is believed that the leukemia was caused by the medication used to treat the Lung Cancer.  Ms. Smith is not only a survivor herself but is the granddaughter, niece, daughter and sister of survivors. 

Located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country and steeped in western heritage, the Y.O. Ranch Resort Hotel & Conference Center in Kerrville, Texas is a glimpse of authentic Lone Star traditions.

The retreat features various activities such as creativity workshops, massage, yoga and meditation that focus on your mental, physical and spiritual well being, helping to boost your recovery from the impact of a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

On Saturday, guests will travel to the Y.O. Ranch in Mountain Home for a western-themed evening. The evening includes a chuck wagon barbeque of brisket and chicken; hayrides into an exotic park to view and photograph over 50 species of exotic game from all over the world; and the song style of Karaoke Cowboy, Jim Murff, who has been a fixture on the Y.O. Ranch for over 30 years.

All times and events are tentative & subject to change.

The $150 registration fee includes all meals, lodging, activities and materials.

A $50 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your reservation with the remaining balance due by March 27, 2009.

Mail deposit to:

Patient & Family Services – MC 8201
CTRC at UTHSCSA
7979 Wurzbach Road
San Antonio, Texas 78229

Cash or Check Only

A limited number of scholarships may be available to those who can demonstrate a financial need.

Upon receipt of your registration, you will receive a packet of information with event details.

Deadline for Registration is March 27, 2009

Contact (210) 450-5574 for more information.

To register on-line click here (online payments can not be accepted at this time)

To print a copy of the registration click here.

Video

In this short video you can get a taste of what you might experience at a Surviving & Thriving Conference. You will hear two of the featured speakers attest to the benefits of the experience as well as hear what a three-time attendee has to say about her meaningful weekend.