The 7-year-old boy is being treated for rhabdomyosarcoma, a cancer that affects skeletal muscles. He receives proton radiation treatment seven-days-a-week, for up to six to eight weeks at the ProCure Proton Therapy Center in Somerset, and every three weeks during his treatment regimen, he is admitted to The Childrens Hospital at Saint Peters University Hospital where he receives chemotherapy the other therapy prescribed for the cancer he is fighting. On one of the five days a week when he is receiving proton therapy, he visits the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic at Saint Peters on an outpatient basis so the team of doctors, nurses and therapists can monitor any possible side effects of treatments. When the cancer treatment is over, the child will return home to Israel where he lives with his mother, father and sister who are all with him in New Jersey. While he is here, Saint Peters is his medical home, providing care not only for his cancer-related health needs but for any health-related issue that may develop.

Saint Peters is the only childrens hospital in Central Jersey selected to collaborate with ProCure, the only center in the New York metropolitan area that provides an advanced form of radiation called proton therapy to children and adults. It is our job to make sure the patients are well taken care of while they are here at Saint Peters, says Karen Kestenbaum, APN, RN, the nurse who coordinates the program at Saint Peters. The Saint Peters team works directly

with the doctors who care for the children in their home countries or home states and the nurses and doctors who work at ProCure. We speak with them several times a day on some days.

As a result of this alliance with ProCure, The Childrens Hospital at Saint Peters has become an international treat-ment center for pediatric cancer, while continuing to provide care for children traveling within the United States.

The alliance with ProCure began in the summer of 2012, and since then, children and their families have traveled from Israel, the Netherlands, South Africa, Spain and Canada. While in New Jersey, ProCure provides these children and their families with resources they need to find a place to live as well as other support services. Eugen Hug, MD, medical director of ProCure Proton Therapy Centers, and Stanley Calderwood, MD, chief of the division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Saint Peters Childrens Hospital, have spearheaded the collaboration.

Proton therapy is a type of treatment that uses high-energy radiation to attack cancer cells without affecting healthy cells around them. Higher doses of radiation are associated with better cure rates, says Dr. Calderwood.

Traditional radiation rays target tumors but can injure nearby healthy tissue. In the case of a brain tumor, for example, areas of the brain still under development in a child may suffer damage, including those areas involved in hearing and vision. With traditional radiation, children may also experience more serious short- and long-term side effects such as

developmental delays and growth problems or the development of secondary tumors. Because their bodies are still growing, children are more sensitive to damage to healthy tissue caused by radiation, explains Dr. Calderwood. Proton therapy is very targeted therapy, so you spare all the healthy tissue around a tumor.

Understanding the difference between proton radiation and traditional photon radiation takes a bit of physics. Dr. Calderwood explains that photons essentially are waves of high energy, electromagnetic radiation that are shot like a laser beam at a cancerous tumor. They are aimed from different angles to collide at the tumor, but they must travel through healthy tissue to get there. Everything in the path is affected by the radiation, he says. Protons, on the other hand, are particles that dont release their

energy until they hit the target. They are more like bombers than lasers, he says. There is a lot less collateral energy delivered, and thus fewer side effects. This is a distinct advantage for children, because conventional radiation can impair bone growth or cause significant disruption in other facets of development.

Children who have been treated at ProCure and Saint Peters stay in touch with the Saint Peters team, sending pictures and updates about their health once they get back home. Dr. Calderwood, along with Nibal Zaghoul, MD, and Laura Pappas, MD, the other hematologist/oncologists at Saint Peters, remain in touch with the healthcare personnel in the host countries. We work collaboratively with referring hospitals in the area and around the globe, says Dr. Calderwood. We review each case and develop an overall treatment plan. When these families come here, we embrace them and treat them like part of our family.

For more information on pediatric cancer treatment provided at Saint Peters, call 732-745-6674. For information about the ProCure Proton Therapy Center call 877-967-7628.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Saint Peters Cares for Children With Cancer from Around the World

A LISTING OF PROGRAMS OFFERED THIS MONTH CAN BE FOUND ON THE REVERSE SIDE.

NEED A DOCTOR? TO FIND A SAINT PETERS PHySICIAN, CALL 1-855-SP-My-DOC (1-855-776-9362).

MAy 2015

Karen Kestenbaum, APN, RN

Stanley Calderwood, MD

Amber van Eekelen of the Netherlands, seen here in the Saint Peters University Hospital Roar music video starring

Pediatric Hematology/Oncology patients, was a ProCure Proton Therapy Center patient cared for at Saint Peters. Visit www.YouTube/SPHealthcareSystem to watch this and other videos.

Alzheimers/Dementia Caregivers Support Group JULY 13, 10:00 AM 11:30 AMSaint Peters Adult Day Center

SUPPORT GROUPSAutism Family Support Group MAY 18, 3:00 pM 5:00 pM877-886-9462

Alzheimers/Dementia Caregivers Support Group MAY 14, 10:00 AM 11:30 AMSaint Peters Adult Day Center200 Overlook Drive, Monroe Township Rachel Kallish, CSW 609-655-6853

Bariatric Surgery Support GroupMAY 14, 6:00 pM 7:00 pM Lisa Lapinski, RD 732-745-8600, x8159

Bereavement Support GroupMAY 21, 7:00 pM 8:30 pM732-745-8565

Caregivers Support Group/MonroeMAY 14, 1:30 pM 3:00 pM Saint Peters Adult Day Center 200 Overlook Drive, Monroe Township Stephanie Fitzsimmons-Sexton, RN, NP 609-655-2220

SHARE Support Group(for those who have suffered miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death)MAY 14, 7:00 pM 9:00 pMIrina Mariano-Brown, MSW, LCSW 732-745-8522

CANCER SUPPORT Breast Cancer Support GroupMAY 4 & 18, 7:00 pM 8:30 pMRegistration required.Cancer Institute of New Jersey Deborah Leif, MSW, LCSW 732-235-7011

Free Healthy Steps Exercise Class for Cancer SurvivorsTUesdAYs, 6:00 pM 7:00 pM ThUrsdAYs, 10:00 AM 11:00 AM Saint Peters Sports Medicine Institute 562 Easton Avenue, Somerset Call 732-745-8570 to register. Must have medical clearance from a physician.

Gynecologic Cancer Support GroupMAY 12, 7:00 pM 8:30 pMCancer Institute of New Jersey 732-235-6792

Latina Women with Cancer Support Group MAY 9, 10:00 AM 1:00 pM Sister Marie de Pazzi Conference Center Light lunch will be served. Free, but registration requested. Sessions conducted in Spanish. Call 908-658-5400 for more information.

Living with Cancer Support GroupMAY 13 & 27, 7:00 pM 8:30 pMCancer Institute of New JerseyBarbara Hale, LCSW 732-235-7557

DIABETES EDUCATIONChildrens Insulin Pump GroupMAY 12, 6:30 pM 8:30 pM 732-745-8600, x8751

Diabetes Self-Management Education heLd MONdAYs ANd TUesdAYsRegistration and doctors prescription required.732-745-6667

Gestational Diabetes Self-Management ClassheLd WedNesdAYs ANd ThUrsdAYsRegistration and a doctors prescription required. 732-745-6667

COMMUNITy MOBILE HEALTH SERVICES For more information about screenings and educational programs, please call 732-745-8600, x8903. Blood Pressure/Blood Sugar Screenings MAY 8, 11:00 AM 12:30 pM Elijahs Promise Soup Kitchen, New Brunswick

Blood Pressure/Blood Sugar/ Cholesterol Screenings MAY 12, 11:00 AM 2:00 pM American Standard Brands, Piscataway Employees only.

Bone Density Screening MAY 21, 9:00 AM 11:00 AM Ethicon, Somerville Employees only.

MAY 28, 2:00 pM 4:00 pM Johnson & Johnson, New Brunswick Employees only.

Cholesterol Screening MAY 8, 9:30 AM 10:30 AM New Brunswick Senior Center

Skin Cancer Screening MAY 11, 10:00 AM 1:00 pM Woodbridge Town Health Department

Health Fair MAY 11, 9:00 AM 11:00 AM North Brunswick Senior Center

MAY 20, 5:00 pM 7:30 pM Sterling Pointe Adult Community, Franklin Residents only.

FREE COMMUNITy LECTURESCholesterol Screening and Heart Health Lecture MAY 6, 2:30 pM 3:30 pM Presenter: Jazlynn Lopez, RN DeForest B. Soaries, Jr. Residences at Somerset, Franklin. Residents only.

Skin Cancer Screening and Awareness Lecture MAY 14, NOON 3:00 pM Affinity Credit Union, Basking Ridge Employees only.

Blood Pressure Screening/Stroke Awareness Lecture MAY 28, 10:45 AM 11:45 AM Manville Senior Center

PARENT EDUCATIONFor information, fees and registration, call Parent Education at 732-745-8579, unless otherwise indicated.

Baby Care MAY 10, 9:00 AM 1:00 pM

MAY 4 & 11, 7:00 pM 9:30 pM

Breastfeeding ClassMAY 23, 9:00 AM 11:30 AM

Breastfeeding Support Group MAY 1, 1:00 pM 2:30 pM

Grandparents Class MAY 7, 4:00 pM

Infant Massage Class MAY 12, 6:00 pM

Marvelous MultiplesMAY 4, 7:00 pM 9:30 pM

New Mom Support Group MAY 1, NOON 1:00 pM

Postnatal yoga and Exercise Class(four-week sessions)FrIdAYs, 6:00 pM 7:15 pM Registration required.

Prenatal yoga and Exercise Class(four-week sessions)WedNesdAYs ANd FrIdAYs7:00 pM 8:30 pM Registration required.

Prepared Childbirth ClassesMONdAYs, ThUrsdAYs, Or ALL-dAY sessIONs seCONd ANd FOUrTh WeeKeNdsRegistration required.

Sibling Class MAY 23, 12:30 pM 1:30 pM

Catholic hospital sponsored by the Diocese of Metuchen | State-designated childrens hospital and regional perinatal centerMajor clinical affiliate of Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences | Affiliate of The Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia

MAy 2015

All programs are designed for community members and are held at Saint Peters University Hospital, unless otherwise noted. For more information or to register for a program, call the contact number listed or visit saintpetershcs.com/newsandevents.

MONROE HEALTH FAIRS Organized by the Adult Community Nursing Program, the program nurses and the staff of Community Mobile Health Services provide education and health screenings. Residents only. Call 609-655-2220.

MONdAY, MAY 4 10:00 AM - 1:00 pM Whittingham Adult Community

ThUrsdAY, MAY 14 10:00 AM - 1:00 pM Concordia Adult Community

WedNesdAY, MAY 19 10:00 AM - 1:00 pM Rossmoor Adult Community

ThUrsdAY, MAY 21 5:00 pM - 7:00 pM Encore Adult Community

BARIATRIC WEIGHT LOSS SEMINAR ThUrsdAY, MAY 147:15 pM - 9:30 pM For more information, and to register, call Lisa Lapinski, RD, at 732-745-8600, x8159.

BONE DENSITy SCREENING OSTEOPOROSIS AWARENESS EVENTFrIdAY, MAY 152:30 pM 4:30 pM Sister Marie de Pazzi Conference Center Call 732-745-8600, x8903 for more information.

STROkE SCREENINGThUrsdAY, MAY 2110:00 AM 1:00 pM Sister Marie de Pazzi Conference Center Call 732-745-8600, x8903 for more information.

DONT FRy DAyFrIdAY, MAY 2211:00 AM 1:00 pM Sister Marie de Pazzi Conference Center National observance designated by the National Council on Skin Cancer PreventionSun damage screening using the DermaScan machine. Call 732-745-8600, x8903 for more information.

EMS EDUCATION SERIESThUrsdAY, MAY 287:00 pM TOpIC: ACUTe sTrOKe Free; refreshments served. CEU credits. Call 908-238-3254 to register.

8TH ANNUAL BIkE RIDE FOR AMysUNdAY, MAY 317:00 AM regIsTrATION To raise money to fund mammograms for women who have no health insurance

COMMUNITy GOLF OUTINGTUesdAY, JUNe 97:00 AM regIsTrATION 8:00 AM shOTgUN sTArT 12:30 LUNCh ANd AWArds Individual Golfer - $300; sponsorships are avaiable.For more information contact Saint Peters Foundation at 732-745-8542.

CICLOVIA 2015sUNdAY, JUNe 1411:00 AM 4:00 pM Streets of New Brunswick close along Joyce Kilmer Avenue, Patterson Street and George Street so pedestrians can walk, ride bikes and enjoy outdoor fun. For more information, visit www.newbrunswickciclovia.com

DIABETES EDUCATION SUPPORT GROUP/ NEW BRUNSWICkWedNesdAY, JUNe 1710:30 AM 11:30 AM Center for Ambulatory Resources (CARES) 240 Easton Avenue, New Brunswick Call 732-745-8600, x5795, for more information.

254 Easton Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 | 732-745-8600 | 800-269-7508 | www.saintpetershcs.com

Top performer on Joint Commission Key Quality Measures 2012

SAVE THE DATE

Are you at risk for diabetes and hypertension?

If you do not have insurance or not enough of it to manage chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension, call saint peters

patient-Centered Medical home at saint peters Family health Center, 123 how Lane, New Brunswick,

at 732-339-7672.

MATERNITy TOURS

View our interactive maternity tour, which includes pictures of our private labor and delivery suites and our modern mother/baby units, at www.saintpetershcs.com/MaternityTour and to get an idea of what

you can expect when you deliver at Saint Peters.

To schedule a tour, call Parent Education at 732-745-8579.

jUST FOR THE HEALTH OF ITCINCO DE MAyO THEMEsATUrdAY, MAY 2NOON - 4:00 pM Takes place in Buccleuch Park across the street from Saint Peters University Hospital. Annual health fair and community celebration sponsored by Saint Peters Healthcare System and the City of New Brunswick. Saint Peters staff will provide free screenings and health education information. Call 732-745-8600, x8551.

HIGHLAND PARkS 7TH ANNUAL 5k RUN IN THE PARksUNdAY, MAY 39:00 AM Highland Park High School. Call 732-745-8600, x8551.

SPECIAL EVENTS

This calendar is for information only. Do not rely on it to make healthcare decisions on your own; instead, talk with your healthcare provider for advice and treatment. Do not ignore medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here. We do not suggest or endorse

that you have any tests, use products, or use other information in this document without advice from your healthcare provider.