Publications
Bells Ring End of Radiation Treatment
Conquest - Spring 2011
A bell rings out at one of MD Anderson's regional care centers following the
completion of a patient's radiation treatment.
Photo: F. Carter Smith
MD Anderson’s radiation treatment facilities have all the bells and whistles — with emphasis on the bells.
Department of Radiation Oncology faculty and staff used their expertise and the latest technology to treat more than 7,000 cancer patients last year.
When their treatment was completed, many of those patients celebrated by ringing a bell at MD Anderson’s centers on the main campus, in the Greater Houston area and in Albuquerque, N.M.
The now-widespread tradition was introduced in 1996 at MD Anderson when U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Irve Le Moyne, a patient with head and neck cancer, installed a brass bell at the main campus Radiation Treatment Center.
Patients who finish treatment at MD Anderson’s Proton Therapy Center make a bit louder noise by banging a gong to symbolize the restoration of balance, harmony and life energy.
Young patient Karim Apollon bangs the
gong at MD Anderson's Proton Therapy
Center.
Photo: Ryan Stephens
Ringing out
Ring this bell
Three times well
Its toll to clearly say,
My treatment's done
This course is run
And I am on my way!
— Irve Le Moyne
Resources
- Radiation Treatment Center
- Proton Therapy Center
- Young Haitian Boy Receives Gift of Proton Therapy
Conquest - Spring 2011
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- Bells Ring End of Radiation Treatment