Every child deserves the chance to grow up without the lasting effects of cancer treatment. That's why Dr. Cathleen Cook believes bringing proton therapy to the Carilion Taubman Cancer Center will transform cancer care for children across Southwest Virginia.

As a pediatric hematologist-oncologist at Carilion Clinic, Dr. Cook cares for children and adolescents facing life-changing diagnoses, including blood disorders and cancer. For her, it's an honor to be part of their story.

“What drew me to this field is the privilege of walking alongside families during the most challenging time of their lives and being part of the team that helps their child,” Dr. Cook said. “Every child deserves the very best care, and I am honored to help deliver that here in our community.”

Dr. Cook believes the Carilion Taubman Cancer Center will transform care by keeping families close to home and bringing all facets of care under one roof. This integrated approach will improve communication and teamwork between medical disciplines. 

“Having a comprehensive cancer center here at Carilion will allow us to provide more coordinated, multidisciplinary care under one system,” Dr. Cook said. “This means oncologists, surgeons, radiation specialists, nutritionists, pharmacists, therapists, and supportive care teams can collaborate seamlessly.”

An effort is underway to bring proton therapy to the Carilion Taubman Cancer Center. For pediatric patients, access to this specialized treatment is especially important because their bodies are still growing and developing. Its precision targets tumors while reducing radiation exposure to healthy tissue, lowering the risk of long-term side effects.

“I would compare traditional photon radiation to a flashlight and proton radiation to a laser pointer. Conventional photon radiation shines through the tumor but also extends beyond it, affecting healthy tissue. Proton therapy, on the other hand, delivers its energy directly to the tumor while limiting radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues,” Dr. Cook said.

For children, that precision can mean fewer long-term complications and more opportunities to live healthy, fulfilling lives.

“Being able to provide our young patients with advanced care close to home is an investment in their survival, their development and their ability to pursue their dreams,” Dr. Cook said.

Every gift to the campaign for the Carilion Taubman Cancer Center helps bring children one step closer to receiving world-class cancer care close to home. For families facing a childhood cancer diagnosis, that's more than access to advanced treatment. It's the chance for more birthdays, more milestones and more moments simply being kids.