A snip of the ceremonial ribbon marked the opening of Illinois' first proton therapy center Tuesday.

Patients gathered for the grand opening ceremony of the CDH Proton Center, a ProCure Center, joining representatives from Central DuPage Hospital, Radiation Oncology Consultants and ProCure Treatment Centers Inc.

Based in Warrenville, the 60,000 square-foot proton center will treat approximately 1,500 patients on an annual basis once it is fully operational, according to ProCure.

"The need for proton therapy in Illinois is great, with an estimated 11,000 Illinois residents this year alone able to benefit from the treatment," James R. Williams, president of the CDH Proton Center, said in prepared remarks. "We are committed to treating as many of those patients as we can. Patients will receive the treatment they need in a healing environment so they have the care and support to battle their cancer and continue their lives."

CDH, ROC and ProCure will collaborate on providing treatment to Illinois residents. Physicians from ROC, the state's largest private practice radiation oncology group, will provide the clinical care for the patients at the center. Pediatric patients will receive specialized care and services from medical professionals with Children's Memorial Hospital, the Chicago region's largest provider of pediatric oncology services.

"Today is an important milestone for patients here and throughout the region," Dr. William Hartsell, medical director of the CDH Proton Center, said in prepared remarks. "Prior to this time, patients would have to travel hundreds of miles to receive this precise, life-saving treatment. These patients and their families have the added stress of being away from home for several months while they are battling cancer. Illinois is very fortunate to have a center right here, and we are thrilled to have helped make this happen."

The CDH Proton Center in Illinois is the ninth center of its kind in the nation. ProCure is the world's only company with more than one proton center that's treating patients.

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