Name:

Josh

Proton Center:

The University of Florida Proton Therapy Institute

My Story:

"I had a great response to proton therapy and am so thankful I was able to get it. Unfortunately, my parents spent a lot of money on my treatment and had to split their time between Florida and our home in Illinois so they could keep their employers happy. I think all kids should be able to get the best treatment possible even if their families can't afford it."

Name:

Harry

Proton Center:

The James M. Slater, M.D. Proton Treatment and Research Center at Loma Linda University Medical Center

My Story:

"I feel so lucky I found this treatment. Every individual deserves to receive the best treatment option available and they deserve to receive it in a way that does not cause additional pain or strife. I was fortunate that as the owner of my own company I had the flexibility to leave home for three months; however, many people do not have that option."

Name:

Susan

Proton Center:

Francis H. Burr Proton Therapy Center at Massachusetts General Hospital

My Story:

"I cannot emphasize how thankful I am for proton therapy. My husband had to take a Family Medical Leave of Absence. For all those weeks, we did not have any money coming in. Our hotel bills alone added up to $756 each week. We are fortunate that we had some savings, but those were quickly almost depleted."

Name:

Spencer

Proton Center:

The Proton Therapy Center at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center

My Story:

"The expenses of the proton radiation therapy treatments have been extremely tough on us. We had to relocate to Texas for 2 months, which included renting an apartment and paying for utilities, groceries, gas, etc. for that length of time. To have an organization that could help with these expenses would be amazing as this was not available to us. The overall cost associated with Proton Therapy was well above $10,000 and that is with GREAT health insurance! That being said, we have never once regretted our choice for Proton Radiation in lieu of traditional radiation. M.D. Anderson Proton Center's staff is incredible and we know Spencer got the best possible treatment available."

Name:

Brooke

Proton Center:

Francis H. Burr Proton Therapy Center at Massachusetts General Hospital

My Story:

"Our family feels incredibly lucky that we were financially able to afford the travel and expenses associated with living in Boston for six weeks; however, there are so many families that are not as lucky... the costs associated with relocation are too much for most to bear. Receiving the best care possible should not be affected by finances."

Name:

Albert Buckwheat

Proton Center:

MD Anderson

My Experience with Proton Therapy:

"I experienced no side effects from proton therapy"

My Story:

"My husband had to take a family leave of absence. For all those weeks, we did not have any money coming in. Our hotel bills alone added up to $756 each week. We were fortunate that we had some savings, but those were quickly almost depleted."