The CTRC Surviving and Thriving Conference provides cancer survivors, caregivers and their families with a relaxing weekend filled with opportunities to heal their mind, body and spirit.
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Contact: Jill Byrd, (210) 450-5550

SAN ANTONIO (April 9, 2008) – 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 at 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.

Healing strategies are at the heart of the conference
The retreat, to be held May 16-18 at the El Tropicano Riverwalk Hotel, 110 Lexington Ave., in San Antonio, 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. Space is limited and the registration deadline is April 16.

“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 physical and emotional, of persons who have experienced cancer.

A cancer survivor participates in a tai chi class at the 2007 Surviving and Thriving Conference. Tai chi is just one of the many activities offered to empower cancer survivors.

“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.”

Motivational speakers, elective activities planned
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. 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. Additional information about the event, including an agenda, is available by visiting www.ctrc.uthscsa.edu or calling (210) 450-5570.

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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.