Proton treatment access matters most

For anyone debating the need for two proton therapy centers in Illinois or where they should be built, please consider the heart of this issue. Nearly 11,000 Illinois cancer patients who could benefit from proton -- would fill far more than two centers that, at best, can treat 3,000 patients a year.

My 10-year-old daughter, Brooke, was diagnosed with a brain tumor last spring. We were incredibly fortunate that she was able to receive proton therapy treatment in Boston.

Brooke was spared the impact of standard radiation to her brain and as a result will have many advantages she otherwise would have missed. With proton therapy doctors were able to target the tumor directly and with a higher dose of radiation, more effectively treating the cancer while preventing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. This means significantly fewer side effects than from radiation, especially important for pediatric patients.

Every child or adult who could benefit from proton therapy should have access to this incredible type of care.

I would feel more comfortable taking my daughter to a proton center affiliated with a hospital for treatment. But the most important thing is having enough centers in this state to fill the need locally.

Christal Bemont

St. Charles