Survivor Spotlight: First Florida Proton Patients 20 Years Later

Three lives, three stories of cancer treatment and living life to the fullest 20 years after proton therapy and still going strong.

Twenty years ago, the first patients were treated at the University of Florida Health Proton Therapy Institute in Jacksonville. Adults and children from all walks of life started a journey none of them ever imagined: hearing a diagnosis of cancer, choosing a treatment path and completing their radiation treatment with the newest and most advanced medical device in the Southeast U.S. Proton therapy would offer them an excellent chance of cure with fewer side effects. We caught up with a few of the first patients who shared how they are doing today — 20 years later.

Successful Proton Therapy for Pediatric Ewing Sarcoma Means a Lifetime of Success for David Marz

David Marz’s life feels more like a celebration rather than a story of survivorship. From his active lifestyle and energetic personality, you would never guess that David was treated over 20 years ago for a rare bone cancer called Ewing sarcoma. At just 16 years old, David was the first pediatric patient to receive proton radiation therapy at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute. Today, he is healthy and thriving. He enjoys a successful career in pharmaceutical sales and stays active with golfing, surfing and spending time with friends, his girlfriend and his seven-year-old Goldendoodle, Brodie. As David reflected on the impact of proton therapy on his life, he said, “You guys saved my life!”

Enjoy more of David’s story by clicking here.

Faithful Reflection, Connection Mean Even More for Rick Rumrell After Proton Therapy for Cancer

Rick Rumrell writes poems and prayers daily that are his reflections on life, relationships, the battles and the peace that come along with each day. When he was diagnosed with cancer 20 years ago, he knew God had a plan for him.

As a litigation lawyer, Rick heard about a proton therapy project while working with healthcare leaders in the Jacksonville area and, after a recommendation, called Dr. Nancy Mendenhall.

When the lady who answered the phone for Dr. Mendenhall turned out to be a high school classmate, he knew that this connection meant that looking into proton therapy with Dr. Mendenhall was part of the plan for his life.

As one of the first patients at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, number 35, Rick remembers that there was no music playing in the room during his treatments – which was later offered to patients. However, the silence was calming as he recited Psalm 23 to himself each day during the treatment. His wife Jo passed away five years ago, but drove with him from St. Augustine to the proton institute for his treatments.

Today, he is not backing off from work and continues sharing his faith. He continues to work litigation cases across the country and hosts the podcast "904 Now Sunday Reflections" on The 904 Now app, on Facebook and on YouTube. In addition, he had the opportunity to give a prayer to the Florida House of Representatives this year, which was meaningful for him. Today, there are so many options for cancer care, and Rick’s advice for anyone who is diagnosed with cancer is to be open to where life leads you. For Rick, the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute was the path chosen.

Celebrating Successful Proton Therapy for Prostate Cancer, Stan Jordan Continues a Life of Service

One of the very first patients treated at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute in October 2006 was Stan Jordan, who at that time was serving as a state representative in the Florida House of Representatives. Stan had watched the development of the proton institute in Jacksonville. When he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and needed radiation treatment, he knew he wanted to be treated here. During the 40 days of treatments, Stan drove himself to the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute and back to work each day. What stood out to him during his experience were the good people involved with his care.

It was only when he completed proton treatment that Stan shared with the community that he had cancer. On December 22, 2006, he issued a statement sharing his successful completion of treatment. Stan also hosted an appreciation luncheon at the Institute for the staff and physicians, which was covered in the local news. At the lunch celebration, he was joined by his grandson, Joshua.

Now, 20 years later, Stan continues to work at his diners - the famous Beach Diners in Jacksonville – and he says he is never going to stop working. At the diner, Stan has the chance to talk to a lot of people each day, many of whom are seniors who might otherwise be alone for their meals. He talks with everyone and takes a moment to recognize each person. As a retired pilot and Colonel in the United States military, Stan also feels incredibly grateful that he got to witness his grandson, Joshua, pursue becoming a pilot himself. Stan said, “That is one of the blessings of the proton beam (treatment). Thank you, proton therapy. Thanks for the memories!”