You can receive Featurettes by e-mail daily, weekly or monthly by request. We can e-mail by your choice of topic or all stories as you may prefer. To make it even more convenient for editors to use our stories, NAPS has added an RSS syndication feed to our Web site. Simply hit the RSS button on our site for automated updates on available content. Please contact us to arrange to receive Featurettes in the format that works best for you at (800) 222-5551 or e-mail your request to us at printmedia@napsnet.com. We can provide Featurettes on CD-ROM or you can download it online at www.napsnet.com. Gary Lipton Media Relations Manager Phone: 1-(800)-222-5551 Fax: 1-(800)-990-4329 Web site: www. napsnet .com e-mail: printmedia@napsnet.com #2613 North American Precis Syndicate, Inc., 415 Madison Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10017 Inspiration Helps Your Garden Grow Proton Therapy For Childhood Cancers (NAPSM)—One of the most advanced cancer treatments, proton therapy, is a precise form of radiation that uses a beam of protons to deliver radiation directly to the tumor, destroying cancer cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissue and vital organs. “Proton therapy can be especially beneficial for children whose bodies are still developing,” explained Anita Mahajan, M.D., Director of Clinical Pediatric Radiation Oncology at MD Anderson. A proton beam enters the body with a low dose of radiation and deposits its maximum energy directly at the tumor site. The ability of proton therapy to precisely target tumors makes it ideal for treating young cancer patients. Its accuracy lets it treat tumors near or within sensitive organs while limiting radiation exposure to healthy parts of the body. As a result, patients often experience fewer side effects. “We know children are much more susceptible to the short- and long-term effects of radiation and anything we can do to reduce radiation exposure to normal tissue is critical,” said Dr. Mahajan. Some of the childhood cancers treatable with proton therapy include tumors of the head, neck, spinal cord, heart, lungs and, most commonly, brain—which is Dr. Anita Mahajan of MD Anderson Proton Therapy Center (left) with patient Matthew Rager. what brought Matthew Rager and his family to the proton center. Life changed for the Rager family when their 5-year-old son Matthew had a seizure in the middle of the night. Prompting the discovery of a brain tumor, the seizure led to a nationwide search for the best cancer treatment for the child. “We got involved in an online support group for pediatric brain tumor parents,” Denise, Matthew’s mother, said. “They all encouraged us to go to a top hospital in the country. So we found MD Anderson, which at the time was one of only a few proton centers in the U.S.” Knowing the possible side effects of traditional radiation in children, the Ragers decided that proton therapy was the best option for Matthew. “With proton therapy, we are able to target a higher dose [of radiation] directly into the tumor, which allows us to minimize side effects during and after treatment,” said Dr. Mahajan. With Denise and her husband, Eric, convinced that proton therapy was right for their son, the family temporarily relocated from California to Houston for Matthew’s daily proton therapy treatments. Their experience led them to purchase a condo there called Matthew’s Miracle House, which provides temporary housing for families who need to travel to Houston for cancer treatment. Now 9 years old, Matthew is cancer-free and continues to do well. So well, in fact, that the fourth grader is on an eighth-grade math level and he enjoys reading and the challenge of strategy games. With internationally recognized pediatric cancer specialists, MD Anderson Proton Therapy Center is a leader in treating cancer in children. Since the center opened, it has treated more than 400 pediatric patients. Today, the center remains one of only nine proton therapy centers nationally—and is the only one to be integrated with a comprehensive cancer hospital. For more information, visit www.mdanderson.org/protonforkids. (NAPSM)—With so many beautiful plants to choose from, gardeners may wonder where to start. One of the most enjoyable ways to plant a seed of inspiration is to visit a public garden. Found at zoos, historical sites and entertainment complexes, such public gardens can demonstrate what’s possible—including flower choice, layout and landscaping practices. Get Advice According to the American Public Gardens Association (APGA), public gardens can show you how to create a water-wise landscape at home through the use of native and adapted plants and efficient irrigation. Visitors can learn what plants bloom at similar times and what arrangements look good together. Staff members who understand the region are available to offer advice on gardening techniques, and on-site sales can be a great source of top-quality additions to a home garden. Here are a few types of public gardens you can visit: • Zoos—Although the focus is on the animals, zoos also have interesting horticultural collections that show both flora and fauna in their native habitats. • Entertainment Gardens— Golf courses, theme parks and water parks can also have beautiful horticultural displays. • Historical Sites—Places of historic or cultural significance— such as churches, historic homes and cemeteries—often have grounds shaped to reflect the horticulture of their historical period. • Nature Gardens—Created and designed to help visitors connect with nature, these gardens inform and educate about the botanical and ecological origins photo credit: Morris Arboretum The carefully thought-out landscaping and charming benches of public gardens can serve as inspiration for your own garden. photo credit: Desert Botanical Garden Vivid colors can brighten any area while green leaves give your home a cool aura. and functions of plant life and how they relate to human beings and animals. Get Inspired The nonprofit American Public Gardens Association has partnered with Rain Bird, a leading manufacturer and provider of irrigation products, to promote the important role that gardens play in promoting environmental stewardship through National Public Gardens Day. Many of the nation’s public gardens will mark the day with special events and activities for schools, families and thousands of visitors. For more information, you can visit www. NationalPublicGardensDay.org. Note to Editors: May 6, 2011 is the third annual National Public Gardens Day.