Participants with varied backgrounds, perspectives, and cancer experiences gathered in Georgetown, Texas, in late September to explore what “Embracing Life After a Cancer Diagnosis” is all about. With 450 patients, caregivers, survivors, speakers, and volunteers, the conference provided education, fun, a place to make new friends, and an environment for participants to explore where they are on the cancer experience and what might be ahead.

A full gamut of emotions – laughter, tears, questions – showed the complexity of having cancer or being a loved one who supports someone with cancer.  

The two-day conference included workshops and lectures by local and national cancer experts, as well as opportunities to connect with others. Kathryn Hudson, M.D., Texas Oncology–Austin Central, and Texas Oncology Foundation board member, opened the conference.  Crowd favorite Tamika Felder, cancer survivor, founder and chief visionary at Cervivor, engaged the audience as emcee and facilitator. Cindy Trice, DVM, co-founder and chief innovation officer at KickIt Pajamas, shared her inspirational story of her cancer experience during her keynote address.

Survive & Thrive Conference is designed to shower participants with inspiration from many perspectives, from the practical to the emotional. A few examples:

• Registered dietitians showing how to make meal planning easier for the different phases of cancer
• Gaining better comprehension of real-world cancer issues, such as intimacy and pain management
• Exploring mindfulness, art therapy, or holistic health
• Trying sunrise yoga or soundbath meditation
• Finding passion for what’s next
• Gathering helpful resources
• Coming alone, but leaving with new friends who can personally relate

There was no shortage of fun. From making customizations at the hat bar during the Vendor Market and Happy Hour or donning fun pajamas and slippers at the Weekend Warrior Pajama Party, smiles and connections abounded.

In the end, Survive & Thrive Conference gave everyone an opportunity to take away what they individually needed from the conference.

Let’s #KeepTheConversationGoing. Check out a highlight video and photo gallery of the conference.

We are here to partner with you throughout your cancer experience with resources available all year round. We are grateful for all of you and the positive impact you have on those around you. We hope to see you at Survive & Thrive Conference 2025. Stay tuned for more details.

Natalie O’Roark

Executive Director

The holiday season is upon us, which brings a heightened sense of bustle and activities. It can also bring added stressors for cancer patients, caregivers, and survivors, including those who have completed treatment. Dr. Michael Herman, radiation oncologist at Texas Oncology–Austin North and Texas Oncology–Round Rock provides helpful guidance on how you can have a fulfilling holiday season while taking care of yourself.

The holidays are a wonderful time to connect with family and friends while cherishing traditions. The holidays can also bring emotions, which can add an extra layer of complexity to cancer patients who are undergoing or recovering from treatments. 

Recognize Your Limits

It’s a magical time of year, and for many of us, the to-do list grows rapidly. Give yourself grace as a patient and as a caregiver to recognize the limits to your time and mental energy. 

• This could mean prioritizing the to-do list to the core important items for you.
• This may be the year you forgo making cookies for all the neighbors or the year you cherish an undecorated tree.
• This could be the year you allow a family member to cook the meal. 

As a cancer patient or caregiver, you already have so many things on your plate. Entering the holiday season is a time to lean into your social network. 

Prioritize Your Health

It’s important to prioritize your physical and mental health, especially while undergoing treatment. 

• Encourage family and friends who are not feeling well to keep their distance. 
• If you are undergoing active treatment, check with your oncology team to see if you need to take extra precautions when around large groups of people. 
• Listen to your body and get rest when needed. 

Be In Tune with Your Feelings

It is important for all of us, but especially for cancer patients to reflect on their own feelings entering the holiday season. This may be the first time you are sharing with your larger social circle details of your cancer experience. The season could also be the first time you have seen family members in person since learning about the diagnosis. Before gathering with family and friends, consider this:

• How much do you want to share with them? 
• How will you handle well-intentioned but upsetting advice and anecdotes from family and friends? 
• How do you want to handle emotions that may bubble over in the family setting? 

I suggest reflecting on these questions and possibly sharing your thoughts with one or two close members of your social circle. Options could include having a strategy to remove yourself from the environment, having a partner who can help you navigate difficult conversations, or someone who could help you politely redirect the conversation. 

Give Support and Empathy

As a family member or friend, remember that patients and caregivers need your support and empathy. It is humbling to ask for help from others. Try to help where possible to make physical tasks easier on the patient. Also realize that everyone is on a different part of their cancer experience and may approach situations differently than you may expect. They may be open to talking about their experience or they may want to take a break from talking about cancer. Provide space and comfort to your loved one. Most importantly, they need to know you love them and are there for them.

This Fall brought local fundraising events to four communities, with more participants than ever. Celebrate Life 5K events offer not only a traditional 5K, but begin with a Survivors Lap for those who consider themselves cancer survivors. It’s both a heartwarming and uplifting way to kick off the event. Uncork to Support raises funds through an evening wine education and tasting.

All funds raised at a local event stay in the community to support local patients. Events in October and November are definitely worth celebrating!

Celebrate Life 5K

Webster – October 26

• 700 Participants – In its second year, participants exceeded the very successful inaugural year.
• More than $75,000 raised

Denton – October 19

• 334 Participants – This year’s event exceeded previous fundraising totals.
• Almost $63,000 raised

Uncork to Support

Houston – November 1

• 90 Participants – In its inaugural year, the Houston Uncork to Support is off to a great start.
• More than $43,000 raised

San Antonio – November 8

• 224 Participants – In its fourth year, San Antonio’s Uncork to Support garnered record-breaking participation and overwhelming generosity.
• More than $83,000 raised