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ProtonPals Patient Support Group

ProtonPals is a support and outreach organization for people considering proton therapy treatment, patients of the MD Anderson Proton Therapy Center and their family members.

This group offers patients opportunities to meet and discuss proton treatment-related topics and form lasting friendships with those sharing similar experiences. Our goal is to provide patients with a community, and support and opportunities to connect with past and present proton therapy patients at MD Anderson.

By having this support system, those undergoing and completing treatment have a way to stay connected through their journey and be an encouragement to the newly diagnosed. Hearing personal experiences from those that have been there along with sharing similar experiences ease the anxieties and stressors that go along with cancer treatment. Forming friends that last a lifetime is part of what makes the ProtonPals group so special to so many.

Connect With Others

You don’t have to face cancer alone, even while social distancing. Learn how to connect with other cancer survivors and caregivers through myCancerConnection, our one-on-one cancer support community.

To be matched with someone based on diagnosis, treatment, or other related cancer experiences, use MyChart to request a match with a survivor or caregiver volunteer.

Looking to give support? Volunteers have an opportunity to share hope and caring with others because the best help often comes from someone who's been there. Support others by sharing experiences to provide hope as a trained phone volunteer.

Our ProtonPals Leaders

In 2006, after being patients at the MD Anderson Proton Therapy Center, fellow patients created ProtonPals to offer support and guidance to newly diagnosed patients. The founders of this group were: John Barna Lloyd, Ben Capron, Joe Landry, Peter Taaffe, Dave Stevens and Drew Cox.

Our ProtonPal Leaders volunteer to attend weekly dinners and lunches with patients receiving treatment at the Proton Therapy Center. They help provide patients with their personal experiences of how the proton therapy treatment process works, things to do in Houston while here for treatment and the patient resources that are available.

2019-2020 ProtonPal Volunteers: Curtis Courington, Judy Johnston, Fred Duncan, Judy Duncan, Sharon Livitz and Bob Livitz

Co-hosting the ProtonPals weekly events is our opportunity to pay back and to pay it forward.

Judy Johnston & Curtis Courington

Volunteers

What to expect before your first appointment

Visiting Houston

Houston is a city that is rich in cultural diversity and activities. From sporting events to art museums to great restaurants, there is always something fun to do. The Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau is a great resource to learn more about what to do in Houston, special events and to get discounted tickets.

How to travel to Houston

Where to go in Houston

Find your way to MD Anderson Proton Therapy Center

Patient Videos

Squamous cell carcinoma survivor Marc O'Connor shares his proton therapy experience

When Marc O'Connor was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, he came to MD Anderson Cancer Center for proton therapy. In this video, Marc describes his experience receiving treatment at MD Anderson Proton Therapy Center. Request an appointment at MD Anderson by calling 1-877-632-6789 or online: https://my.mdanderson.org/requestappointment

After salivary gland cancer treatment, Mark Rolfing reflects on MD Anderson

Mark Rolfing was diagnosed with stage IV salivary gland cancer in August 2015. As a television golf analyst for NBC and the Golf Channel, Mark reflects on the multidisciplinary care that he received at MD Anderson, where teams of specialists care for patients from cancer diagnosis to treatment and beyond. To learn more about Mark’s journey, visit: https://www.mdanderson.org/publications/cancerwise/stage-iv-salivary-gland-cancer-survivor-PGA-TOUR-golf-commentator-Mark-Rolfing--how-proton-therapy-saved-my-career.h00-159299889.html. Request an appointment at MD Anderson by calling 1-877-632-6789 or online: my.mdanderson.org/requestappointment.

Why we chose proton therapy for pediatric cancer treatment

After several nights of waking up crying, the parents of two-year-old Sawyer Hack realized something was wrong. Sawyer had swelling and pain on the left side of his face. After visits to his pediatric dentist and a hospital, he underwent a biopsy in November 2016. That's how doctors discovered rhabdomyosarcoma on Sawyer’s left jawbone. Rhabdomyosarcoma typically develops in the skeletal muscles, which are used by the body to control body movements. Because the tumor was inoperable and quickly growing, doctors recommended chemotherapy followed by radiation treatment. Instead of conventional radiation, doctors recommended proton therapy at the MD Anderson Proton Therapy Center to treat Sawyer’s tumor. “Proton therapy was able to target the tumor in Sawyer’s jaw and save sensitive tissue such as his eyes and ears” Sawyer’s dad says. “It was a clear that proton therapy was the best decision.” Learn about MD Anderson Proton Therapy Center: https://www.mdanderson.org/patients-family/diagnosis-treatment/care-centers-clinics/proton-therapy-center.html. Request an appointment at MD Anderson by calling 1-877-632-6789 or online: https://my.mdanderson.org/RequestAppointment.

8 things I learned as a pediatric cancer caregiver

At age 2, Amanda Hack’s son, Sawyer, spent almost a full year undergoing treatment for rhabdomyosarcoma. She shares things that helped her navigate the journey.

Read Amanda's advice

Paying it forward after proton therapy treatment

"By being a co-leader of the ProtonPals patient support group, I am glad to help others in their journey with treatment and healing."

Read Fred's story

Two-time cancer survivor Jennifer Grant

"I kept going to swim meets on Saturdays with my kids in the Houston summer heat after a full week of treatment. I didn't miss out on life."

Read Jennifer's story

Cancer-free since 2011: Why I chose proton therapy

"With proton therapy radiation, doctors can control where it hits, unlike traditional radiation where it comes out through the other side of my body."

Read Dave's story

Medulloblastoma cancer survivor Owen Langston

"Owen’s age was a huge factor in determining what type of radiation we wanted to use. Proton therapy was so focused that it was the best solution to prevent long-term side effects."

Read Owen's story