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.
PROTON CENTER CELEBRATES 100 PATIENTS TREATED South suburban man’s ‘graduation’ marks milestone for Illinois’ first proton therapy center WARRENVILLE, Ill. (July 14, 2011) –The CDH Proton Center, A ProCure Center, celebrated a major milestone Thursday as its 100th patient completed treatment for cancer at the state’s first proton therapy center. The patient, James Tonkin, 63, of Plainfield, Ill., was joined by many of the Center’s patients, friends and family members during a “graduation” ceremony with representatives from Central DuPage Hospital (CDH), Radiation Oncology Consultants and ProCure Treatment Centers, Inc. (ProCure). “We have been very encouraged by the positive results our patients continue to see,” said William Hartsell, M.D., medical director of the CDH Proton Center, A ProCure Center. “Although a majority of our patients have come from nearby cities and states, we have been very fortunate to be able to offer the power of proton therapy to patients from 12 states across the country and overseas.” Since opening on October 19, 2010, the Center has used proton therapy to treat patients with noncancerous tumors as well as cancerous tumors in the brain, central nervous system, head and neck, lung, gastrointestinal tract and prostate, as well as sarcomas and many pediatric cancers. Proton therapy is an advanced form of radiation treatment and important alternative to standard X-ray radiation for patients with cancer. The precision of proton therapy spares healthy tissue and results in far fewer short- and long-term treatment side effects. Read more at http://www.procure.com/OurLocations/Illinois/IntheNews/PressReleases/ProtonCenterCelebrates100PatientsTreated.aspx
JUSTIN’S STORY Before Justin Rodriguez was diagnosed with cancer last October, his mother, Yasmin, considered him her rock. Raising two other children with mental disorders, one diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome and the other diagnosed with ADHD, six-year-old Justin had always been the calming force in her life. “Justin was always my perfectly healthy little boy,” said Yasmin. “When he got sick it just turned our world upside down.” Last fall Justin began having mood swings and suffering from migraines and chronic fatigue. Doctors in Lawton, Okla. originally diagnosed him with exhaustion, but Yasmin insisted it was something else causing her son’s illness. On October 17, 2010 Justin was taken to Children’s Hospital in Oklahoma City where they found a lemon-sized tumor in the middle of his brain. Five days later he was diagnosed with having a malignant germ cell tumor causing spinal fluid build-up and pressure on his brain. Justin immediately began a chemotherapy regimen, but after five rounds, his doctors decided it was ineffective. The tumor had now grown to the size of a baseball and needed to be removed immediately. More chemotherapy followed before Justin was sent to ProCure Proton Therapy Center in Oklahoma City for treatment. The Rodriguez family received a grant from the Procure Cancer Foundation, which provides support to proton radiation therapy patients in need of financial assistance. The grants fund non-medical expenses associated with treatment to ensure patients have access to the improved quality of life proton therapy enables. For Yasmin, the grant meant more funds available to house, feed and care for her husband and three children. At Procure, Justin and Yasmin found more than just treatment for his cancer. According to Yasmin, they found treatment for their spirit as well. “The ProCure staff and other patients foster an environment where Justin could be Justin,” said Yasmin. “He went from looking and acting like a sick boy, to the Justin I remembered before his diagnosis.”
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RIP VANWINKLE STORY At 92 years old, Rip VanWinkle was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Because of his age, his primary physician and urologist told him he was lucky to have led such a long life. They suggested he forgo treatment and happily live out the remainder of his days. This lack of treatment was not good enough for Rip’s wife, Elaine, who had spent 45 years as a registered nurse. Familiar with the health system and the obstacles they could face while searching for the right treatment, Rip and Elaine looked to friends recently treated for prostate cancer for guidance. “This is both of our second marriages, and we’re just getting started,” Elaine said. “I need him around for a few more years, not months.” Rip and Elaine first sat down with two couples who recently went through treatment for prostate cancer. The first couple chose hormone therapy while the other chose traditional radiation therapy, and both couples were unhappy with the result. Both of these gentlemen suffered serious side effects after treatment and were unable to return to the lifestyles they led before being diagnosed. When they spoke to a third friend who was receiving proton therapy, Rip and Elaine were relieved to hear about a treatment that didn’t seem to affect their friend’s quality of life. Upon further research, including a visit to a proton therapy center in Bloomington, Indiana, Rip and Elaine decided proton therapy was the best cancer treatment option for them to maintain their active lifestyle. With only seven proton therapy centers in the United Sates, Rip was referred to ProCure Proton Therapy Center in Oklahoma City where he began treatment for his prostate cancer in February 2010. During their time at ProCure, Rip and Elaine made a lasting impression with everyone who had the chance to meet them, and generously spread the word about proton therapy to anyone who would listen. Between dancing twice a week with the OKC Swing Dance club, knitting scarves for every staff member at ProCure and religiously attending patient luncheons and dine-arounds, Rip somehow managed to squeeze his treatments into his daily routine. “We think everyone we meet needs to know about ProCure and deserves the opportunity to come here, if they need it.”
HELP OTHERS AND SHARE YOUR STORY Remember when you first got your diagnosis? You were probably frightened, confused, and wanted all the information you could possibly find. We’ve heard patients say the best source of information is that from former patients who had the same questions and fears, did their research and are willing to discuss their journey. Every day there are hundreds of newly diagnosed cancer patients needing to hear your stories of survival, support and encouragement. You can help. On August 17 and 24, directly following the OKC ProCure graduation luncheon, we will be filming patient testimonials in a ProCure conference room. We encourage you to tell your story. These short film clips will be posted on our Website and available for those who need to hear from you. We will of course ask you to sign a release for permission to use your story. If you are interested please call 405-773-6740 or email marcia.shields@okc.procure.com and we’ll schedule your testimony. Please be sure to join us for lunch that day, or at any of our Wednesday graduation luncheons.
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FROM OUR PATIENTS PROTON BEAM MY FAVORITE THINGS By Gordon Thornhill, OCK ProCure Center Graduate
When the bell rings When my pee stings When I’m feeling sad I simply remember my favorite things And then I don’t feel so bad
Watch the video and slideshow our patients in OKC and Chicago created to say thanks for making the experience as positive and pleasant as possible: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwLkMMrktz0 http://web.me.com/martyrhomberg/Proton_Treatment/ Welcome.html
Smiling faces about with the warmest of greetings At the front desk and at all of the meetings They make me feel welcome and just like a king These are a few of my favorite things! When my gown flaps Then my team claps And I’m feeling sad I simply remember my favorite things And then I don’t feel so bad Nurse Rachel with questions from A to Z “How are feeling, do you have ED?” Water, more water til I could make springs There are a few of my favorite things
Lilly Gillon
When the beam’s down And we all frown And I’m feeling sad I simply remember my favorite things And then I don’t feel so bad Meredith’s smile as she says “Now be still” “Lie on the table and don’t be a pill” Lindsey is dancing as if she has wings These are a few of my favorite things. When insurance says nooo! Then Peggy re-loads And says “Don’t feel so sad, Just remember your favorite things And I will go after the cads!” “Does this help your golf game?” asks Matt and John With bubbly Jordan and Zane’s steady brawn Doctor Keole’s examining These are a few of my favorite things Now my cure comes! I must leave soon And I’m feeling sad But I will remember my favorite folks And then I won’t feel soooo bad!
Ted, Rebecca & Thomas Adams
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MEET OUR CENTER PRESIDENTS PRESIDENT ROB LAKE
ProCure Proton Therapy Center, Oklahoma City, OK Rob Lake joined Oklahoma City ProCure Proton Therapy Center as President in January 2011. Rob’s passion for fighting cancer is personal. He lost his father to a rare form of stomach cancer, which doctors believe was contracted while serving as an Air Force pilot in China and Russia. Since then, Rob has been dedicated to helping other patients and their families find the most effective treatment for their cancer type. He believes in the power of proton therapy and is committed to ensuring the treatment process at ProCure is an experience full of personal care, compassion and dignity for patients, their families and loved ones. Prior to joining ProCure, Rob gained more than 25 years of experience overseeing operations and management of leading health care providers and medical groups, most recently as President and CEO of North Arkansas Regional Medical Center. Previously he served in Oklahoma as CEO of Elk City’s Great Plains Regional Medical Center. He has served on the Oklahoma Hospital Association board of directors and for five years served on the American Hospital Association’s Governing Council for Small and Rural Hospitals, chairing the Council in 2010. He earned both his bachelor’s and master of business administration degrees at Texas Tech University. Rob and his wife Bonnie, an occupational therapist and certified hand therapist, are the proud parents of two teen-age sons, Cody and Kyle. During free time, he is an avid golfer and sports fan.
PRESIDENT JAMES R. WILLIAMS CDH Proton Center, Chicago, IL
James R. Williams is the president of the CDH Proton Center, A ProCure Center and oversees the center’s development, growth, and operation. He is a skilled healthcare operations executive with more than 20 years of experience managing operations for leading health care providers and medical groups. Prior to joining ProCure, he provided operations and strategic advisory services to healthcare companies, private equity investors and their portfolio companies and management teams. Mr. Williams has also served as COO of DaVita Lifeline Vascular Access and as COO and Vice President of Strategic Planning and Business Development for Vein Clinics of America. Mr. Williams graduated from Ohio University with a BBA in Hospital Administration and received his MBA in Healthcare Administration from Benedictine University, where he graduated first in his class.
PRESIDENT JAMES A. JERRETT
ProCure Proton Therapy Center, Somerset, NJ
James A. Jarrett was named President of the Somerset, New Jersey ProCure Proton Therapy Treatment Center in 2011, after joining the company in 2005 as the second employee. His previous positions in the company include leading the development of partnerships with leading hospitals and physician groups to establish new proton therapy centers. He also headed business development and marketing in addition to helping establish a number of other departments. Prior to joining ProCure, James worked for Morgenthaler Partners, a middle-market private equity firm, where he was responsible for sourcing investments, developing transaction structures, obtaining debt financing and working with portfolio companies to realize operational improvements. He earned his BA from Dartmouth College.
PROCURE CONDUCTING CLINICAL TRIAL For questions about the following trials or about eligibility contact a ProCure Research Nurse: Oklahoma City, OK – Heather Perkins 405-773-6728 Warrenville, IL – Peggy Wellman 630-821-6426 The following trials are currently open to cancer patients through ProCure physician participation.
SUMMARY The purpose of this study is to compare the effects (good and bad) on patients with prostate cancer by comparing the standard dose of radiation therapy (44 treatments over 8½-9 weeks) with a higher daily dose of radiation (5 treatments over 1-2 weeks) to see if the effects of the treatments are similar or better
BASIC ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: INCLUSION CRITERIA: • Histologically confirmed prostate adenocarcinoma • Histological evaluation of prostate biopsy with assignment of a Gleason score to the biopsy material • PSA values < 10 ng/ml • Clinical stages T1a-T2a N0 M0 (AJCC Criteria 7th Ed.). • ECOG performance status 0-1 • IPSS score < 16. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: • Previous prostate cancer surgery to include: prostatectomy, hyperthermia and cryosurgery. • Previous pelvic radiation for prostate cancer. • Androgen deprivation therapy prior to radiation is allowed. However, it is not acceptable if continued during radiation or as adjuvant therapy. • History of proximal urethral stricture requiring dilatation. • Current and continuing anticoagulation with warfarin sodium (Coumadin, heparin, low-molecular weight heparin, Clopidogrel bisulfate (Plavix), or equivalent. (Unless it can be stopped to manage treatment related toxicity, to have a biopsy if needed, or for marker placement). Final eligibility for a clinical trial is determined by the health professionals conducting the trial. This information has been obtained from the National Cancer Institute at www.cancer.gov
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5901 West Memorial â&#x20AC;˘ Oklahoma City, OK 73142