ANNOUNCEMENTS SIGN UP FOR BOB
ProCure is on schedule to open its third proton therapy cancer treatment center in early 2012, and its fourth in early 2013. With two currently operating centers – in Oklahoma City and Warrenville, IL, a Chicago suburb – ProCure is the only proton therapy treatment organization in the U.S. with multiple treatment centers, allowing wider access to patients, and benefiting from efficiencies and best practices to drive down cost and improve quality care. The ProCure Summerset, New Jersey center is on schedule to begin treating patients in March of 2012. In June, the center achieved “Substantial Completion” and its certificate of occupancy. These designations mean the actual building is complete with just minor follow-up activities required, and that staff may now reside in the building. In addition to center President James Jarrett, some staff is already residing at the center while recruiting efforts are actively underway. A major milestone was achieved by IBA on July 14, at which time full beam was extracted from the cyclotron to the degrader, and they are now commissioning the beam transport line. The Seattle center is in the construction phase and on target to treat patients in early 2013. ProCure has partnered with the Seattle Cancer Care Association (SCCA), one of only 40 elite National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in U.S. The new ProCure center is being built on SCCA’s busy hospital campus next to the only public entrance to the campus.
Brotherhood of the Balloon, known as BOB or Proton Bob, is an organization founded by Bob Marckini, a prostate patient treated with proton therapy at Loma Linda 11 years ago. Bob created the organization as a way to keep the fellowship going with the good friends he made during treatment. Today, the BOB organization has grown to more than 5,300 members from all over the world who have been treated with proton therapy. Approximately 500 patients per year at Loma Linda have been referred by BOB members. The voice of proton therapy treatment for prostate cancer, BOB supports its members with the latest news and research on proton therapy, cancer recurrence prevention, insurance coverage, diet and lifestyle tips, member reunions, member stories and feedback after five, ten, 20 years following treatment, participation in surveys and access to results and much more. Get connected to this important organization and share your own stories and statistics. According to the American Cancer Society, “Research has shown that being part of a support group following cancer treatment improves quality of life, and enhances patient survival.” Please visit www.protonbob.com.
SPEAK FOR PROTONS
Many of our patients are eager to help spread the word about proton therapy, and how it has had such a positive effect on their health and quality of life. Some patients elect to speak on their own at church and civic functions, and many ask us to participate with them for the presentations. If you would like to speak and/or have a ProCure representative speak with you, please contact Marcia Shields in Oklahoma City (Marcia.shields@okc. procure.com, 605-773-6740) or Beverly Tanabe in Chicago (Beverly.tanabe@chi.procure.com, 630-821-6403).
OKC CYCLOTRON TOUR
On Saturday, Sept. 17, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, the public is invited to an open house and tour of the cyclotron in observance of Men’s Health Day. Bring your family and friends to tour the OKC ProCure Proton Therapy Center. The event is being hosted in conjunction with INTEGRIS Cancer Institute of Oklahoma around activities such as free prostate screenings and a live broadcast of the Sports Animal.
PROCURE CANCER FOUNDATION
The ProCure Cancer Foundation provides support to proton radiation therapy patients in need of financial assistance by funding non-medical expenses associated with the treatment to ensure access to the improved quality of life proton therapy enables. For more information, to apply for a grant, or to donate, please visit http://www. procurecancerfoundation.org.