ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL opened its Red Frog Events Proton Therapy Center, the first proton therapy center in the world dedicated solely to children with cancer.
The $90-million center includes the linear accelerator, a synchrotron, a three-story rotating gantry, powerful magnets and other equipment. The system features advanced imaging technology, including cone-beam CT to provide a 3-D image of the patient’s anatomy to achieve precise positioning for treatment. FDA cleared the features unique to the St. Jude proton therapy system Nov. 2.
The center also contains three proton therapy treatment rooms, treatment preparation and recovery rooms for patients plus a musical staircase that leads to a rain forest-inspired waiting room. The center’s multidisciplinary staff includes specialists from oncology, radiation therapy, imaging, nursing, child life and other disciplines.
The center is located in the Kay Research and Care Center, which opened earlier this year and also houses a state-of-the-art surgery and intensive care unit, the Marlo Thomas Center for Global Education and Collaboration, and other facilities.
In 2013, the co-CEO’s of Red Frog Events, Kunkel and Joe Reynolds, pledged to raise $25 million to bring proton beam therapy to the hospital’s campus. Red Frog Events brands include the Warrior Dash obstacle race series, Firefly Music Festival, and Chicago Beer Classic.
