Proton Treatment Center on TODAY Show
Thursday, July 31, 2008
LOMA LINDA, CA - When MSNBC news correspondent George Lewis was diagnosed with prostate cancer, he reacted as most others do in that moment. He was afraid, and his mind raced with questions. Among the 186,000 American men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer this year alone, Lewis chronicled his personal experience in a self-produced "Cancer Diary" segment on MSNBC's TODAY Show on July 30 - an experience directly linked to the James M. Slater, M.D. Proton Treatment and Research Center.
Built on its mission "to make man whole" through Christ-centered healing, Loma Linda University Medical Center's Proton Treatment Center was the facility of choice for Lewis to undergo 9 weeks of proton radiation therapy. The Center is the world's first hospital-based Proton Treatment Center for prostate, lung and brain cancers, and since its establishment, has conducted more than 350,000 treatments.
Unlike conventional radiation therapies that could result in unintended damage to healthy tissues and organs causing harmful side effects, proton radiation treatments have a proven track record and are non-invasive, precise and increase the likelihood of protecting healthy tissues and organs. This, in turn, reduces the occurrence of side effects.
"They joke about a 'radiation vacation," Lewis said in his segment. "And in some ways, I feel blessed to have made these discoveries and to have the ability now to go on with my life."
Already, thousands of patients from around the world have been treated at this acclaimed facility, seeking proton therapy as an alternative to standard cancer radiation therapies. As documented by Lewis, Loma Linda University Medical Center's Proton Therapy and Treatment Center utilizes some of the most innovative and progressive technologies to date. Lewis also documents the Center's focus on whole person healing by showcasing his cancer support group meetings, exercise program and the support he received from his loved ones alongside the high quality staff who welcomed Lewis with open arms and made him feel at home during his cancer battle.
As Lewis welcomes this new chapter in his life, it seems evident that his story will lead to future chapters in others' lives by raising awareness of proton therapy in general as well as Loma Linda University Medical Center's high-tech healthcare facilities and treatments.
Following the premiere of Lewis' self-produced news segment detailing his personal fight with cancer, Loma Linda University Medical Center along with its Proton Therapy and Treatment Center received an overwhelming amount of inquiries and referrals via their respective websites. On just July 30th alone, the number of website visitors almost quadrupled.
Although Lewis is still waiting for his follow-up appointment, one thing is for sure-his brave fight against the disease has forever linked him to those he encountered during his treatment as well as the healing work provided within the walls of Loma Linda University Medical Center's high-tech facilities.
About the James M. Slater, M.D. Proton Treatment and Research Center
The James M. Slater, M.D. Proton Treatment and Research Center is the first hospital-based proton therapy facility in the world. Until 2003, it was the only one in the United States. The pioneering nature of this facility is a testament to how medicine is practiced at Loma Linda University Medical Center and is just one of the many services Loma Linda University Medical Center offers.
About Loma Linda University Medical Center
A globally recognized leader in health care, Loma Linda University Medical Center operates some of the largest clinical programs in the United States in areas such as neonatal care and outpatient surgery and is recognized as the international leader in infant heart transplantation and proton treatments for cancer. Each year, the institution admits more than 33,000 inpatients and serves roughly half a million outpatients.