Little Jacob Big Hit in Windy City

We just got back from our first time exhibiting at ASTRO in Chicago last week. The number of attendees were almost 11,000 people from all over the world. Jacob and I spoke a few times at the IBA booth and then later at the IBA proton symposium. Hopefully, we helped put a face on the pediatric cancer issue and the advantages of proton treatment for pediatrics. Jacob said our motto very clearly each time, "Proton: because the smallest things matter most." Jacob sang his Hippo song and received a round of applause. He later gave an encore of "take me out to the ballgame" in honor of Harry Karry and the Chicago Cubs. More applause. A star is born!

The Pediatric Proton Foundation had its 1st Annual Meeting while in Chicago. The Board of Directors had a lively discussion on how we can make the most and best impact with the foundation. We especially believe we need to target pediatric oncologists. Several other great ideas were developed that will help grow the foundation. I am thankful to have such a professional and dedicated board.

You will notice a new gadget on our blog, called GoodSearch and GoodShop. This search engine is powered by Yahoo. If you load this toolbar, then each time you do a search on the internet, the foundation will earn a cent. If you shop through GoodShop, each vendor offers various donations based on your total purchase. This is a great way to give without ever writing a check. Just do your normal searches and watch the pennies turn into dollars. Pass the word to your family and friends, we appreciate any and all support!

Procure's Oklahoma City Proton Center Open for Business

I attended the grand opening of the Oklahoma City Proton Center on July 8th! Dr. John Cameron had a vision of treating patients needing proton in centers outside of academia settings, and his dream came true this day. Procure's first center is most impressive. There are 2 more in some stage of development with Procure including Chicago and Boca Raton.

I noted subtle upgrades throughout the tour starting with a concierge that is postioned in the center to help patients and their families make all their arrangements from lodging to fun. I have visited 3 other centers so I have some frame of reference. It's great seeing everything brand spanking new. Incorporated throughout the center are the latest in positioning robotics, and a slew of very keen upgrades such as an enclosed floor in the rotating gantry room. They also plan to install a pediatric couch in the gantry so children can be positioned more comfortably for their treatment. I also spoke to a physicists that is developing a new application for anesthesia for children that will speed the treatment process up considerably making them the same if not faster than an adult patient to be treated.

What I believe will make OKC work is the new Integris comprehensive center being built a stone through away from the proton center. Patients will be able to walk to the cancer center for routine blood counts, tests, and any other treatment (ex. chemotherapy) that goes along with proton treatment. This in itself may make it more "convenient" that some other center's setups which usually include a ride to get to the nearest cancer center. The fact it will be designated a "comprehensive" cancer care center by the NIH, will make it one of the 25 or so designated centers in the country.

Cheers to Procure, IBA and Integris for what appeared to me to be a job well done!