Executive Director’s Message – February 2024

It is with enthusiasm that I extend my warmest greetings as the new Executive Director at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute. Joining this remarkable team, I am honored to step into this leadership role and work with the physicians and staff to continue our mission to conduct high-quality clinical research and to deliver excellence in patient care.

Lung Cancer

Survivor Spotlight: Toni Renna

Toni Renna and her husband Ronald live in The Villages in Central Florida. They are surrounded by friends and a supportive community. It was the fortune of having a friend who had treated his prostate cancer with proton therapy at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute that would change Toni’s own battle with lung cancer.

Kristin A. Heath Appointed As Executive Director of the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute

The UF Health Proton Therapy Institute is pleased to welcome Kristin A. Heath, DBA, MBA, MHA, an accomplished radiation oncology and proton therapy leader, as Executive Director.

Santa Joe McGee’s Visit Brings Joy to Pediatric Patients

An annual tradition returned last December at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute after a three-year pause due to COVID-19. The Institute hosted a holiday party for the children who are here for cancer treatment and their siblings. The main attraction of the event is an appearance from Santa Joe.

Empowering Communities: UF Health Proton Therapy Institute’s Impactful Outreach in 2023

2023 was a busy year for UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, including a dedication to grassroots community outreach. Creating awareness and education on proton therapy’s potential benefits for individuals diagnosed with cancer is one of the goals of the Institute.

UF Health Offers Patients Expertise in the Treatment of Brain Tumors, Head and Neck Cancers

When a tumor is in the highly sensitive region of the brain, central nervous system (CNS), head or neck, preserving the function of nearby healthy organs and tissue is a critical part of the treatment plan.

The UF Health Proton Therapy Institute Celebrates Staff Achievement Milestones from 2023

In 2023, the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute staff demonstrated a commitment to their professional and academic pursuits, achieving notable milestones. We take pride in recognizing the exceptional accomplishments of some of our dedicated team members.

Prostate Cancer

Survivor Spotlight: Don Girvan

Don Girvan feels he’s been gifted with more time since his diagnosis and treatment for prostate cancer and uses the precious gift of life to spend time with family and write novels.

UFHPTI Employee Recognition and Education Fund Is Established

A lifetime investment. That’s how Anthony “Tony” LoBianco describes his choice of prostate cancer treatment at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute (UFHPTI). And that’s how he describes his decision to make a philanthropic investment to establish the UFHPTI Employee Recognition and Education Fund.

Proton Therapy News Brief Roundup

Catch up on news and developments at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute.

  • Dr. Bradley Recognized as an Exemplary Teacher
  • February is National Cancer Prevention Month
  • Encouraging Black Men to Get Screened for Prostate Cancer



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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.

UF Proton in the Community - 5th Annual Cars for Cancer Car Show
Saturday, June 01, 2024 @ 10am - 2pm

15022 Max Leggett Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32218 – Parking lot of BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse

UF Health Proton Therapy Institute will be out in the community sharing information about the benefits of proton therapy for over 20 types of cancer. Come out and meet us, while you enjoy this free car show and other family activities hosted by the Duval Car Club Cancer Awareness organization.

For More Info: Contact Christina at 904.831.4034 or education@floridaproton.org, or go to https://www.dccca23.org/events.html for event details.

Benefits of Proton Therapy – Kiwanis Club of St. Petersburg
Tuesday, July 16, 2024 @ 12pm

Presentation by: Christina Mershell, Business Development Coordinator

St. Petersburg Yacht Club, 11 Central Avenue, 2nd floor, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Who can benefit from proton therapy? What types of cancers can be treated with proton therapy? UF Proton Therapy Institute will be joining the Kiwanis club to share the benefits of proton therapy and updates in the research that is leading to a better quality of life for many cancer survivors.

For More Info: Contact Christina 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.