Proton Tour

Yesterday afternoon we went on a tour of the Proton Center.  It was amazing.  The center has been there for 22 years.  It is located below the children's hospital.  This treatment is continually expanding its uses and updating its technology.  The cost is now over $285,000,000.  It is a wonderful thing for the children's hospital as there is so much less damage to healthy cells.  NASA scientists have been doing research here since the 90's.  Much of what was talked about was over my head.  We could take pictures in the treatment rooms but not when we saw the actual proton "equipment".  All the machines (and there were a lot) had names and started to remind me of something out of Star Trek.  They are able to get the protons moving at 400 million miles per hour.  They have 3 gantry rooms (below) and one horizontal beam room which is where Bob has his treatment.  I am in awe of what they are doing.

I am also encouraged by the chatter among the proton patients about a nutrious vegan diet as an addition to the treatment.  Loma Linda is helping heal the world not only with their technology but also with their view of a balanced, healthy life!  This is a learning experience for me, being in a Christian setting that believes in healing the mind, the body and the spirit in every way possible!  There is no condemnation.  They are inclusive and list all local churches in their info packet.  I could almost join them (except for the fact that they believe in god). :)