Surviving and Thriving

Surviving & Thriving Conference - Cancer survivors and caregivers are invited to spend a relaxing weekend learning new ways to promote health and wellness. Participants share strength, humor and wisdom while discovering ways to regain control, reduce feelings of isolation and restore hope. Anyone touched by cancer is welcome to attend. Call 210-450-5574 for more information.


The Surviving and Thriving Retreat is a special event 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.


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 increased knowledge about long-term side effects, psychosocial adjustment, nutrition support, health & beauty, 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 the United States are expected to be in attendance for this year's event which is scheduled for May 17 - 19, 2013 at the John Newcombe Conference Center in New Braunfels Texas. New Braunfels rests deep in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. Founded in 1845 by German settlers, New Braunfels is over-flowing with old world heritage and small town Texas charm. The theme for the weekend is "Go the Distance".


John Newcombe Conference Center in New Braunfels Texas
Josh Davis
Josh Davis

Josh Davis


Josh Davis earned five Olympic medals while modeling a life of integrity and balance. He was able to achieve family and business goals while pursuing an Olympic dream. Josh learned to maintain this balance by developing seven habits for achieving goals. Applying these habits has helped Josh developed skills to perform under intense pressure and bring out the best in his team.


Little did he know that he would have an opportunity to utilize these skills in a way he never imagined. When his mother was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer Josh discovered that many of the approaches he used in his Olympic career could be translated to dealing with a serious illness.


A new type of team was created with his mother, family, doctors, nurses and all the others involved with the care plan. The same principles Josh used to bring out the best in his Olympic teammates were translated into a healthcare setting to achieve goals. Together they created a game plan for optimal survivorship.



Josh Davis
Michael J. Wargovich, Ph.D.

Michael J. Wargovich, Ph.D., F.A.C.N.
Professor of Molecular Medicine
Cancer Center Council Distinguished Chair in Oncology
CTRC and UTHSCSA


A native of Pittsburgh, Pa., Dr. Wargovich received a B.A. at Washington and Jefferson College in biology and a M.S. from Duquesne University in Biological Sciences. He received a Ph.D. in microbiology from Texas Tech University in 1981. He then undertook post-doctoral studies at the Ontario Cancer Institute and Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research in Toronto, Canada. There, Dr. Wargovich first began research in the emerging discipline of cancer chemoprevention. Recruited to the world-renowned MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston in 1984, Dr. Wargovich pioneered the development of preventive agents. Dr. Wargovich studied hundreds of agents for cancer prevention activity. Among the discoveries made were the cancer preventive roles for compounds in green and black tea, various herbal and alternative medicine products, citrus, and cruciferous vegetables.


In 2012, he relocated to The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio where he co-leads the Cancer Prevention and Population Science Program for the NCI-designated Cancer Therapy & Research Center. He holds the Cancer Center Council Distinguished Chair in Oncology. Research in his laboratory focuses on the prevention of colon cancer. Dr. Wargovich's research involves studying the effects green tea and antioxidant compounds have upon tumor growth. Dr. Wargovich is an international expert in colon cancer, cancer chemoprevention and botanical medicine related to cancer.



Michelle Thomas
Michelle Thomas

Michelle Thomas
Comedian


Comedian Michelle Thomas has set herself apart from other comedians by becoming one of the industry's leading breast cancer advocates. She is both a stand-up comedian as well as the creator of the breast cancer organization "Check your cupcakes." By producing and hosting breast cancer fundraisers across the country and partnering with charities on both a national and local level, Michelle uses her comedy as a way of spreading hope and awareness to men and women everywhere.


The John Newcombe Conference Center is a peaceful retreat center near New Braunfels in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. Guests enjoy the serenity and fresh air of the country setting. The environment offers walking trails, low intensity outdoor adventures, a swimming pool and tranquil surroundings. All guests have access to the tennis courts, pool and Jacuzzi.


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.


Ladies in the pool

Friday, May 17, 2013

4:00 – 6:00 PM - Arrival & Check-in
6:00 – 7:00 PM - Dinner
7:00 – 7:15 PM: Let's Get Ready to Rumble: Welcome – Dr. Ian Thompson
7:15 – 7:30 PM: In Training: Introductions and Housekeeping
7:30 – 9:00 PM: Surviving & Thriving Decathlon

Saturday, May 18, 2013

7:30 – 8:00 AM: Sail Away: Morning Meditation
8:00 - 9:00 AM: Breakfast
9:00 – 10:00 AM: Game Plan: Effective Habits of a Cancer Survivor - Josh Davis
10:30 – 11:00 AM: Group Picture
11:00 – 12:00 PM: Inside Track: Nutrition & Cancer - Dr. Michael Wargovich
12:00 – 1:00 PM: Lunch
1:30 – 2:30 PM: Option A: Turn Out the Racquet: Gentle Yoga
Option B: For Love of the Game: Gratitude Class
Option C: Step Up to the Plate: Exercise and Cancer
3:00 – 4:00 PM: Option A: Stick It: Bottles of Hope
Option B: No Pain, Lots of Gain: Symptom Management
4:00 – 5:00 PM: Dunking Booth & Hot Potato Water Polo & Football Photo Shoot
6:00 –7:30 PM: Awards Banquet
7:30 – 9:00 PM: Just for Kicks: Comedian, Michelle Thomas
9:00 - ?: We've Got Spirit: Karaoke with Sports Trivia Contest at the Billabong Lounge

Sunday, May 19, 2013
7:30 – 8:00 AM Home Run Walk: Morning Walk
8:00 – 9:00 AM: Breakfast
9:00 – 9:30 AM: Option A: Go for the Gold: Sunday Service
Option B: A Smashing Good Time: Tennis Class
10:00 – 11:00 AM: Option A: Jump, Shout, Dance: Zumba Gold
Option B: Batter Up: Care of the Caregiver
11:30 – 12:30 PM: Lunch
12:30– 1:30 PM: Option A: The Art of Winning: Art Class
Option B: On the Right Track: Tai Chi
2:00 - 3:00: - We are the Champions: Closing Ceremony


Ongoing throughout the weekend:
Massage & Reiki - By Appointment
Saturday 11 - 5 PM
Sunday 9 – 2PM

Scholarships

  • A limited number of scholarships will be awarded based on availability and financial need.


  • The amount of assistance provided will be determined using Federal Poverty Guidelines.


  • You will need to provide a completed scholarship application along with proof of family income.

    Scholarship Application


For more information please contact Mary Jackson at (210) 450-5574.

Sponsors

A $150 donation (or any amount you are able to give) provides a deserving cancer patient with the opportunity to attend this year's Surviving & Thriving Conference. Your tax-deductible gift will provide a weekend of hope and healing. Donations accepted online at :
Wellness Center donation page





Be sure to specify Surviving & Thriving in the comment section.


"Thank you for helping me get up when I have fallen down. You appeared in my life when I needed it most."


"Surviving & Thriving is like a Make-A-Wish for adults. I will now refer to the CTRC staff, volunteers and the retreat as Give-A-Smile, because that is what it does."


"The conference gets better with each passing year. It's so nice to be with people who understand where you've been and who treat you like you are normal, not like some pariah. Cancer scares people even though they know it's not contagious."


We would like to thank the following organizations for their support to this years Surviving & Thriving Conference.





Minnie Stevens Piper



Video


Surviving & Thriving 2012 Video

Registration

  • Payment in full is required for online registration:
    $150.00 if registration is received by April 17, 2013
    $175.00 if registration is received after April17, 2013


  • Payments can be paid online with a credit card or mail payment to:
    Patients & Family Services - MC 8201
    CTRC at UTHSCSA
    7979 Wurzbach Road
    San Antonio, Texas 78229
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Surviving & Thriving 2013 Registration Form
  Are you a Survivor or Caregiver
If a Survivor - Date of Cancer Diagnosis
*
First Name
*
Last Name
*
Address
*
City
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State
*
Zip
*
Daytime Phone Number  (example: 2105551212)
  Alternate Phone Number (example: 2105551212)
  Email   
  Emergency Contact Person Name
  Emergency Contact Person Phone  (example: 2105551212)
  Doctor's Name
  Doctor's Phone  (example: 2105551212)
  Allergies
*
Are you a Vegetarian?
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Are you in a wheelchair?
  Do you have any limitations we need to be aware of? (unable to climb stairs, hearing impaired, etc...)
  NOTE: Wheelchair accessible rooms are limited. We may not be able to accommodate all people with mobility challenges.
  Name the person(s) that you would like to room with.
  Please describe clearly any special needs:
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  If you would like a copy for your records please print before submitting.

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* Mandatory Fields

Once you submit your registration form, you will be directed to an online payment page.

For more information please contact Mary Jackson at (210) 450-5574.