Our Story

It all began when I transferred to the Cancer Center at Scott and White Medical Center as the Program Coordinator. But there were no programs to coordinate. So I asked to go to M.D. Anderson to check out their programs. After evaluating the many activities they had, it was determined that Scott and White should start a retreat for adult cancer survivors. After several meetings of the newly developed cancer committee, we set up a format for the retreat, our mission statement and goals.

Our first retreat was held in 2005 at Peaceable Kingdom Retreat Center. My hope was to provide a safe place for survivors to discuss their cancer and to present informative programs. In doing this we carried out our goals of educating the MIND, exercising the BODY, feeding our SPIRIT, and doing a community project. Money for the retreats was raised by selling cabins for Caribbean Cruises during the years I worked in the Cancer Center.

We are now a 501(c)(3) organization raising money to provide scholarships for cancer survivors who want to attend the retreat but cannot afford it, as well as funds to be able to continue holding the retreats.

In 2020 we moved to Summers Mill Retreat & Conference Center in Belton, Texas, where we celebrate our 20th anniversary in 2025. By Renee Owen

Meet the Board

Our Board members, all cancer survivors, are dedicated to continuing the opportunities granted to survivors 20 years ago, with Renee Owen in 2005.

Renee Owen

Founder and Board Member

I was diagnosed with cancer in 1992 after having a mammogram. I participated in many cancer survivor events, including Relay for Life and the Komen Race for the Cure, and was also honored by being named “hometown hero.” I became known as “the cancer lady.”

When I worked in Risk Management at Scott & White Memorial Hospital in Temple TX I was moved to the Center for Cancer Prevention and Care. A prayer to help others came true. Soon after transferring, I started holding cancer retreats. I dedicated the retreat to God, and we have had wonderful weekends for twenty years. I thank God for my cancer because I would never have met all the wonderful people I now call friends.

Kathleen Brown,

President of the Board

I am a 28 year survivor, is a Board Certified Music Therapist and professional singer born in Colorado Springs, Colorado. I was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 49 in 1996 & again in 1997 when living in the Florida Keys. That led me to the field of Music Therapy, and when I earned my degree in Music Therapy at Sam Houston State University. I moved to Temple TX in 2000, became friends with Renee Owen, the founder of our retreats, and have helped organize and have attended almost every retreat since.

Fay Ary, Treasurer

I am a 27 year cancer survivor. I am very blessed and grateful for the experience, but I
wouldn’t wish it on anyone. I have been a member of the Surviving & Thriving Cancer Retreat since its inception. It is a privilege to serve on the board of this great organization.

Jackie Wernli, Board Member

In 1987 at the age of 34 I got my first diagnosis of breast cancer. Because I was unable to
find the support I needed, I have made it my goal to help promote and support survivors
whenever possible.

Milissa Carlson, Board Member

In March of 2006 I was diagnosed with uterine cancer and underwent a total
hysterectomy, ending my attempts to have a baby. Then in 2017 I got a stomach cancer diagnosis, with treatment being removal of 90% of my stomach. Both of those cancers changed my life, but now I never miss a chance to help others learn to live their lives with, and after, cancer.

Pam Brashears, Board Member

I was 37 when I found a small lump. The doctor insisted that it was just a cyst until they
operated to remove it. But I feel that my cancer diagnosis has been a blessing in disguise. With my nursing career I have been able to help so many other people who have been diagnosed with
cancer.

Pam Darkis, Board Member

I came to the Surviving & Thriving Cancer Retreat for the first time in 2015, planning for a completely different outcome in my head. You see, NO ONE had ever related to me, no one ever wanted me to talk about the things I had been through...until that weekend. I confessed I didn’t feel worthy, and Fay made sure I was never alone. But to be honest, after the first night I really felt different, like I fit in and wasn’t alone. I’ve had 9 battles with cancer, and I don’t feel alone anymore. I’ve returned each year since and these ladies and gentlemen are my family.

The 2025 Roaring 20s was a roaring success! Food, some catered by Mc3 Catering in the Summers Mill dining hall,
some cooked by our great kitchen crew, and some provided by the Altrusa International Club of Temple – our lunch for the second year in a row. The UMHB youth group ASTRA gifted each survivor with a bag of sweets.

Friday evening we got to know each other, then in the beautiful chapel we honored those of our friends who have gone to the other side, closing with Kathleen Brown singing her song, “The Race.”

Part of our four keys, Body, Mind, Community & Spirit, were met Saturday morning with Addison Scott, of Rainey & Rainey Attorneys at Law talking about help for scams, and Renee Owen, founder of the retreats, sharing the story of her dream of a place for adult
cancer survivors to meet and learn from each other. In the afternoon survivors had the opportunity to hike around the beautiful grounds of Summers Mill, nap, or help with the Community project for local children served by the Killeen Police Department, McLane’s
Children’s Hospital, the Emergency Medical Services of Temple & Belton.

Saturday night survivors strutted their stuff in their 1920s costumes and the contest winner was Renee Owen. Then Jerry Layne Colwell & Kathleen Brown took everyone down memory lane with oldies but goodies and songs chosen by those listening.

Sunday morning closed us out with Dr Mike Middleton and Clayton Capps on accordion & tuba!