Q&A with Mike Malekoff, Volunteer Chair of the 20th Anniversary Celebration Weekend
We are gearing up to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute with a special gathering October 23-25, 2026, of alumni, friends and supporters to reflect on how far we have come and to look to the future.
At the heart of this celebration is Mike Malekoff, our Volunteer Chair for the event. As an alum of the Institute, he has been instrumental in shaping this anniversary celebration. In this Q&A, Mike shares why he got involved and his vision as we celebrate 20 years of proton therapy in Northeast Florida.
What is your connection to the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute?
My connection to the Institute was receiving treatment for prostate cancer two years ago. I had discovered an elevated PSA four years ago, and my physician kept me on a watch situation since the elevation was minor. Within a year and a half, it climbed to a level that required treatment. Fortunately, a friend recommended looking into proton therapy instead of surgery. My investigation located the UF Proton Institute, and I went through the 3–4-month treatment.
What led you to decide to be involved, and ultimately to be the Volunteer Chair of the 20th Anniversary Celebration?
I spent the latter years of my career working with major nonprofits to raise funds through events. My professional career was in sports marketing, producing professional events from sports to concerts. I so enjoyed helping nonprofits with fundraising walks, bike rides, galas, and even more I learned the importance of giving back and helping others. When the idea of an anniversary event was discussed, I offered to use my professional background to help organize the event. How could I say no to the organization that saved my life?
What is your core goal or vision for the anniversary celebration?
The most important element in any fundraising event is the socialization that comes from bringing people together that have a common interest. Surviving and dealing with life threatening issues can be a difficult time in someone's life. Finding the good in becoming involved and helping with a cause brings a lot of satisfaction to one's life. I've worked with health causes where kids at the end of life, and their parents, are helping to raise thousands of dollars for a cause, which can be so helpful in getting through the difficult times. I had a child tell me the one day in their life that they were happy to have a disease was the day of the event being with fellow patients.
Want to find out more about the event? Click the link to see the agenda, details and to register: bit.ly/proton20years
More questions? Contact Events@floridaproton.org