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.
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 ProtonPals Volunteers: Curtis Courington, Judy Johnston, Fred Duncan, Judy Duncan, Sharon Livitz and Bob Livitz
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.
MD Anderson in collaboration with Dan's House of Hope is hosting virtual programs for young adult patients and caregivers.
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.
Patient Videos
Featured patient and caregiver stories
Proton therapy for oropharyngeal cancer
"When undergoing my cancer treatments, I reminded myself that this was temporary."
Coach cancer-free after nasopharyngeal cancer
"As tough as it might get, stay consistent and don’t ever lose sight of the finish line."
Choosing targeted radiation therapy at MD Anderson
"Communication with your child during treatment is key," says Ewing’s sarcoma caregiver Christine Pena.
Personalized treatment for my prostate cancer
"When I walked in the building each day, the staff and I would greet each other by name."
5 ways I made treatment easier
When John was diagnosed with a rare throat cancer called hypopharynx cancer, he came to MD Anderson for proton therapy treatment.
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."