Executive Director Message – August 2023
In August, the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute recognizes its 17th anniversary. Since 2006, we have promised patient-centered care and an innovative approach to cancer treatment. We are pleased to announce the opening of our upgraded fifth treatment room.
$44 Million Expansion Project Complete with the Opening of a Fifth Treatment Room
The University of Florida Health Proton Therapy Institute has completed the installation of a dedicated nozzle in an original gantry, or treatment room, that delivers pencil beam scanning to our patients.
Finding Friends in Treatment and Celebrating Survivorship
We often find patients form friend groups while being treated at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute. They meet during luncheons at the Institute or while getting to know one another while waiting in the lobby.
Two New Nurse Practitioners Join the Florida Proton Team and Support Survivorship Program
The UF Health Proton Therapy Institute is pleased to welcome two new nurse practitioners to the team who provide care to our patients during their survivorship period: Toni Ruffino and Kerri Jarrell.
Dan Stokes is a Proton Ambassador and Retired Land Speed Racer
Dan Stokes received prostate cancer treatment at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute six years ago. He continued his hobby of Land Speed Racing (LSR) following treatment. There was no way a cancer diagnosis and treatment were going to slow him down and stop him from racing his truck, which he lovingly refers to as “Mutt.”
Proton Therapy News Brief Roundup
Catch up on news and developments at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute.
- Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
- Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
- Lymphoma Awareness Month
- Top Doctors
Community Calendar
Mark your calendar and join us when we are in a town near you or online.
For patient events at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, Go to For Patients & Families for details.
National Family Health & Fitness Day at the Riverside Arts Market
715 Riverside Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32204
Discover ways to keep your family & community healthy at Riverside Arts Market (RAM) on National Family Health & Fitness Day! At this free event, learn about community health resources, including healthy lifestyle best practices, cancer and disease prevention, cancer screening recommendations, cancer care services from UF Health Proton Therapy Institute and UF Health Jacksonville experts, as well as community support services for people with cancer and other diseases. Go on a “Healthy Table Tour” by visiting participating tables!
For More Info: Contact Christina Mershell at 904.831.4034 or education@floridaproton.org.
Proton Therapy for Breast Cancer – Breast Cancer Support Group of St. Augustine
Presentation by: Christina Mershell, Business Development Coordinator
Flagler Hospital of St. Augustine, 400 Health Park Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32086 – Matanzas Room
Come with UFHPTI as we join the Breast Cancer Support Group of St. Augustine for an engaging discussion of the role of proton beam therapy in the treatment of breast cancer. Proton therapy is a non-invasive alternative to traditional X-ray radiation that helps patients beat cancer with fewer side effects and a better quality of life, especially if breast cancer is found in the left breast. Find out more and ask your questions at this month’s group meeting. Support group website: https://www.bcsgofstaug.com/.
For More Info: Contact Christina Mershell at 904.831.4034 or education@floridaproton.org.
American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of the First Coast Walk
TIAA Field-East Club Plaza, 1 TIAA Bank Field Dr., Jacksonville, FL 32202
Come out and join the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute team – Proton’s Pink Warriors - as we walk to support our breast cancer survivors and promote awareness of breast cancer care and the benefits of proton therapy for breast cancer. This is a free 5K walk in honor of all breast cancer survivors and their families. Join us by walking or just enjoying the event festivities. Sign up to join our team (even if you are not sure you can make it) so you can receive event updates!
Join our team or find out event details: http://main.acsevents.org/goto/protonpinkwarriors
For More Info: Contact Christina Mershell at 904.831.4034 or education@floridaproton.org.
Proton Therapy for Cancer Patients – Rotary Club of San Jose
Presentation by: Christina Mershell, Business Development Coordinator
San Jose Country Club, 7529 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32217
Join us for a discussion with the Rotary Club of San Jose as we discuss how proton therapy is an effective, non-invasive alternative to traditional X-ray radiation that helps patients beat cancer with fewer side effects and a better quality of life. How does proton therapy work and who can benefit from proton therapy? Contact us to RSVP for this event.
For More Info: Contact Christina Mershell at 904.831.4034 or education@floridaproton.org.
Prostate Cancer ABC’s Conference – Radiation Treatment Options Panel Discussion
Presentation by: Romaine Charles Nichols, Jr., MD
The Brownwood Hotel & Spa, 3003 Brownwood Blvd., The Villages, FL 32163
Join UF Health Proton Therapy Institute at this year’s Prostate Cancer ABCs Conference – A Free Conference for Patients and Caregivers in The Villages. Dr. Romaine Charles Nichols, Jr. will once again be speaking on the panel of experts discussing radiation treatment options for prostate cancer. This is one of many engaging sessions and presentations that are available for attendees during this full day conference. The conference includes a free lunch for all registered attendees and opportunities for Q&A at each session. Click here for more event details and to register for this free event.
For More Info: Contact Christina Mershell at 904.831.4034 or education@floridaproton.org.
Proton Therapy – An Alternative Radiation Treatment Option – First Baptist Church of Palm Coast
Presentation by: Bradlee Robbert, Director of Operations
First Baptist Church of Palm Coast, 6050 Palm Coast Pkwy NW, Palm Coast, FL 32137
Come out for this free, community health event for an eye-opening discussion about how targeted proton therapy is helping patients beat cancer with fewer side effects and a better quality of life. Proton beam therapy is an effective alternative to other forms of radiation. Join us for a discussion to find out how proton therapy works and who can benefit from this targeted technology.
For More Info: Contact Christina Mershell at 904.831.4034 or education@floridaproton.org.
Cancer Resource Navigation Info Session – UF Health Jacksonville Cancer Center
UF Health Jacksonville Clinical Center Main Lobby, 655 West 8th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209
If you have been newly diagnosed with cancer, or you are a cancer survivor, we are here to support you. Meet with UF Health experts and community partners to learn more about the resources available to you and your family. Representatives will be available to discuss support about community resources, rehabilitation services, social services, spiritual care, transportation, specialty care, and palliative care. Stop by for this informal event!
For More Info: Contact Christina Mershell at (904) 831-4034 or education@floridaproton.org.
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About This Newsletter
The Precision Newsletter is an electronic-only publication that is distributed by email. Each issue is sent periodically to patients, alumni patients and friends of the University of Florida Health Proton Therapy Institute. As the official newsletter of the Institute, the content is compiled and prepared by our communications
representative and approved by the editor Stuart Klein, executive director of UF Health Proton Therapy Institute. Special bulletin newsletters may occasionally be prepared when timely topics and new developments in proton therapy occur. If you would like to send a Letter to the Editor, please click here.