Music is an important element of each year’s CTRC survivor conference, as this photo from 2008 shows.
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Adult cancer survivors and their caregivers can spend a weekend riding the Trails to Survivorship at the Y.O. Ranch Resort and Conference Center in Kerrville April 17-19. Hosted by the Cancer Therapy & Research Center (CTRC) at the UT Health Science Center, the conference will feature activities to help boost recovery from the impact of a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Attendees can choose from a variety of workshops, such as “Romance on the Range: Intimacy & Cancer,” “Trails to Healing: Meditation,” and “Round Up Your Feelings.” Other activities are more “hands on,” such as massage, Reiki, yoga and Tai Chi. Attendees can expect Western-themed fun with the music of Karaoke Cowboy Jim Murff, and hayrides into an exotic park to view and photograph more than 50 species of exotic game from around the world.

“Our Surviving and Thriving Conference is truly a special event,” says Mary Jackson, CTRC’s director of patient and family services. “It's a place where cancer survivors and caregivers can get away from the pressure and stress of everyday life to gain new skills and knowledge to enhance their quality of life. We’ve done our job when people leave feeling empowered and renewed.”

Weekend facilitates discussion among survivors and caregivers
People in all stages of survivorship are invited to attend, from the newly diagnosed to those who are many years past treatment. The weekend provides an opportunity for survivors and caregivers to share their insights with others, and to discuss issues such as long-term side effects, psychosocial adjustment, nutrition support and insurance issues.

Ruth Pennebaker, award-winning author and speaker, among the presenters
Speakers include award-winning author and presenter Ruth Pennebaker, a 14-year cancer survivor and commentator on KUT-FM, Austin’s public radio station. Ruth and her sister, Ellen, also known as the Fabulous Geezersisters, blog at www.geezersisters.com.

A two-time survivor of lung cancer, Kathleen Smith, also will speak. She is a registered lobbyist for the American Cancer Society in New Hampshire and in Washington, D.C.

How to register
To register online before the March 27 deadline, go to www.CTRC.net and click on Surviving & Thriving 2009.

The $150 registration fee includes all meals, lodging, activities and materials. A limited number of scholarships are available to those who can demonstrate a financial need. Call 450-5574 for more information.