“Sophia, like many 12-year olds, loves to dance. She was suprised, flash mob style, by the staff at the Willis Knighton Proton Therapy Center after completing her treatment with advanced proton therapy. Many years ago she was diagnosed with scoliosis and eventually treated with a brace worn 23 hours a day. Her back pained worsened and two years ago, an MRI ordered by her pediatrician revealed she had a large tumor growing on her spinal cord. She was referred to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis where a major surgery was performed to remove the tumor. A year later, tests revealed that tumors had returned to her spinal cord. Her physicians at St. Jude decided that radiation was the best option, and that proton therapy was the optimal way to deliver that treatment. They evaluated options and decided on proton therapy at Willis-Knighton so they could remain close to home and family. Her physician, Dr. Ben Wilkinson, indicated that using proton therapy would lead to decreased radiation to the esophagus, lungs, and chest. This is a better option than traditional x-ray radiation for children, such as Sophia, who have a long life ahead of them. Sophia is the first pediatric patient at the WK Proton Therapy Center, which began treating patients in the fall of 2014 with ProteusONE™ , the world’s first compact pencil-beam scanning proton therapy system. The staff at the WK Proton Therapy Center/ Willis-Knighton Cancer Center wish all the best to Sophia!”

**Everyone wore their Chuck Taylor’s in Sophia’s honor! 🙂

Our family would like to express how thankful we are for all of the wonderful people at WK who took part in surprising our daughter with this fun, unforgettable surprise. A MILLION THANKS to Dr. Wilkinson and his associates, all of the brilliant physicists who worked on her care plan and everyone at the Cancer Center and especially the Proton Therapy Center. Greg Sonnenfeld for all of your kindness, help, and for writing the above blurb. Crystal and your adorable daughter for making Sophia feel special in so many thoughtful ways. These people are truly an example of the finest in their field, and of humanity in general!!

∞To Daniel and Amber Speir, you have a big place in our girl’s heart forever. We love you!!!∞

by jpetikas