January 24, 2007

This is the first newsletter for the Florida Chapter of the "Brotherhood of the Balloon.

I am in the process of developing a web page for the "Florida Chapter, Brotherhood of the Balloon. As soon as it is available for posting to the Internet I will inform everyone of the web site address.

As of today there are 12 (twelve) members in the Florida Chapter. I have hopes that all who are receiving Proton Therapy for Prostate Cancer will become a member of our Florida Chapter. All that you have to do is send your email address to me and I will respond with a list of items for the database that I am compiling for our chapter. As our membership expands, so will the newsletter containing items of interest relating to all.

Since my final treatment on January 04, 2007 several things have transpired.

Radiological Technologist, Kimberly Kraft has left UFPTI and returned to California to be with her husband. Speaking for all of the patients that were under Kimberly's care while she was at UFPTI, we will miss her and wish her the very best. I would like to extend a hearty welcome to her replacement whose name is also Kim.

40 patients are now being treated daily at UFPTI. This includes Prostate Cancer, Brain Tumors and Pediatric patients.

Mondays at noon, there is a catered lunch of sandwiches, potato salad & cole slaw along with conversation. This is for all patients, past, present and future. This is a great time to meet everyone and talk about your concerns and learn about their experiences. Hope to see you there.

Wednesday mornings, coffee & doughnuts.

On January 27 UFPTI personnel will be attending an informational meeting at the Magnetic Levitation Labs in Tallahassee Florida.