A local toddler battling cancer is given a fighting chance. He just received a treatment given at only a few centers in the country, now that boy's mother wants others know about this type of radiation therapy that can save lives.
Two-year-old Liam plays the Wii better than most adults.But during his two years, he has been fighting for his life.
At 6-months-old he was diagnosed with neuroblastoma on his liver. He underwent treatment and was given a clean bill of health.
But two months ago, the cancer was back when doctors found a brain tumor.
Kristine, Liam's mom says, "May 27th he had it removed, just short of his 2 year birthday."
Kristine took to Facebook asking other moms about options.
Kristine says, "I had been talking with mothers of neuroblastoma survivors and they said why not try proton therapy. I said as everyone else says, 'what's that?'"
Her research lead her to Dr. Oren Cahlon and ProCure in Somerset, New Jersey - one of ten facilities that offer proton radiation therapy in the U.S.
Dr. Cahlon says, "It has real advantages over conventional radiation. When it enters the body it hits the tumor and releases energy in the tumor. It releases no radiation beyond the tumor."
Doctors say it is ideal for pediatric cancers and for treating tumors with critical tissues nearby like the brain, lung and the central nervous system.
Dr. Cahlon says, "There can be less effects on hearing, vision, IQ in the future, growth in children, the heart and lungs."
Liam still has a battle ahead, a treatment at Sloan Kettering and more chemotherapy. But Kristine says the proton therapy has bettered his prognosis, making it possible for him to celebrate his second birthday, and hopefully many more.
Proton therapy has been used for about 50 years. There are a growing number of centers being planned across the U.S.
For more information visit:
www.procure.com or call 1-877-967-7628
www.proton-therapy.org
