Agenda Overview
9:00 a.m. Check-In and Breakfast
10:00 – 10:30 a.m. Welcoming Remarks
10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Gratitude Circle
11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Mindfulness-Based Gentle Movement
12:15 – 1:15 p.m. Lunch
1:15 – 2:00 p.m. Overview of Integrative Support and Benefits
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Sharing and Healing Through Vision Boards
3:00 – 3:30 p.m. Closing
Central Region Rejuvenate | Saturday, March 29, 2025
Hosted by the Central Region of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC), the Rejuvenate One-Day Retreat offers a transformative experience focused on self-expression, reflection, and healing. This complimentary program is designed specifically for ovarian cancer survivors. It's a wonderful opportunity to connect with others who understand your journey and to discover effective coping strategies in a warm, welcoming setting.
Renew, Reclaim, and Relax with Us!
Renew your energy, reclaim your spirit, and relax your mind while enjoying the tranquility of this special day! Continental breakfast, light lunch, snacks, and beverages will be provided.
Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025
Location: UT Southwestern, Cancer Care Outpatient Building, 6202 Harry Hines Boulevard Dallas, Texas 75235
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. CT
Central Region of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
Serving: TX, AR, KA, LA, ND, OK, and SD
Sarah Elshanshory
Sheila Edwards
For more information, contact Sarah Elshanshory, (214) 273-4208, selshanshory@ovarian.org or Sheila Edwards, (512) 402-5017, sedwards@ovarian.org.
Jayanthi Lea, M.D., Chief, Division of Gynecologic Oncology
UT Southwestern
Simmons Cancer Center
Dr. Jayanthi S. Lea is a renowned gynecologic oncologist specializing in the treatment of ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers. She is a Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UT Southwestern Medical Center, where she also serves as the Director of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology. Dr. Lea's clinical expertise includes advanced surgical techniques, innovative chemotherapy regimens, and precision medicine approaches for gynecologic cancers. Her research focuses on improving outcomes for women with hereditary cancer syndromes and advancing minimally invasive surgical techniques. A dedicated educator, she is committed to training the next generation of gynecologic oncologists and improving cancer care through collaborative multidisciplinary initiatives.
Alexandra Huffman, LCSW, OSW-C, Director, Supportive Care and Integrative Oncology
UT Southwestern
Simmons Cancer Center
Gratitude Circle – Ice Breaker
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Gratitude isn’t just reserved for when things are going well. Acknowledging the good aspects of life, especially during difficult situations and challenging times, can build resiliency and reduce rumination. Beyond just thinking about positive experiences, a gratitude practice shifts our perspective to the small, positive things we have received and the role others have played in providing goodness in our lives. Together, we will explore the components of a gratitude practice and experience the joy and connection of practicing gratitude in a supportive community.
Alex Huffman, LCSW, OSW-C is the Director of Supportive Care and Integrative Oncology at UT Southwestern Simmons Cancer Center. She oversees a multidisciplinary department comprised of social workers, dietitians, chaplains, nurse navigators, and music therapists. The goal of her department is to offer individualized, comprehensive support to addressing each patient’s unique needs. Alex has served as the facilitator of the Young Adult Cancer Support program since its launch in 2019 and is the primary handler of the Cancer Center’s facility dog. She also has a clinical practice at the Cancer Center in which she counsels patients and couples on sexual health dilemmas during and after treatment.
Lisa Ross, Oncology Exercise Trainer
UT Southwestern
Simmons Cancer Center
Mindfulness-Based Gentle Movement
11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Discover empowering wellness and self-healing practices by connecting movement, breath, meditation, and sound vibration. This low- to moderate- impact body and mind workout merges mindfulness and cardio-based movements. It combines aerobics, dance, and strength conditioning with mindful, positive, outspoken affirmations.
Arlene Betancourt, M.D., Medical Director of Integrative Oncology
UT Southwestern
Simmons Cancer Center
Overview of Integrative Support and Benefits
1:15 – 2:00 p.m.
Integrative oncology offers a human-centered, evidence-informed approach to cancer care, incorporating conventional medicine with natural products, mind-body practices, and lifestyle modifications. In this session we will explore accessible mind-body modalities and lifestyle recommendations to empower survivors in the journey to health and healing.
Marianne Gargour, Art Class Facilitator
UT Southwestern
Simmons Cancer Center
Sharing and Healing Through Vision Boards
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
A vision board is a collage of words and images that represent our goals and aspirations. The process of mentally picturing what we want to achieve has its foundations in neuroscience. Visualization can train our brains and bodies to perform better. Creating a vision board helps us clarify our inspiration, which is especially helpful during a cancer journey.
Supplies and images for this activity will be provided. To customize your vision board, bring copies of your pictures of people, places, or things that inspire you.
Marianne Gargour, Founder of MG Coaching & Creativity LLC, is a Certified Life Coach, a recognized visual artist, and a cancer survivor. She is the creator of Surviving to Thriving, a therapeutic art workshop for UT Southwestern Simmons Cancer Center patients. This unique program blends art, coaching, and conversation. Marianne offers a supportive environment that inspires growth and healing.
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