Executive Director’s Message – June 2025
As summer approaches, many of us look forward to slowing down, spending time with family, exploring new places or simply enjoying the longer, sun-filled days. At the same time, we recognize that for those facing a cancer diagnosis, these simple joys can feel out of reach.
Letter to the Editor
I can't imagine how different my life would be if I had accepted the more conventional cancer treatment and had not dug deeper into researching other options.
Prostate Cancer
Identical Twin Brothers, Prostate Cancer and the Path to Proton Therapy
Identical twins Clyde and Harry Clark have shared many things in their 65 years. The same birthday, the same aptitude for mechanics as their father and sometimes even the same health concerns.
Dr. Roi Dagan Works to Improve Head and Neck Cancer Patient Outcomes
Our current research efforts are focused on reducing treatment side effects and improving quality of life among survivors of head and neck cancer.
Carey Lawing Joins as Child Life Specialist
As child life specialist, Carey Lawing, CCLS, provides psychosocial support to pediatric patients and families. In her role, she provides procedural preparation and support to pediatric patients undergoing treatment.
In May, We Recognized Skin Cancer Awareness Month
Did you know that proton beam therapy is a treatment option for some skin cancers?
Facing Oral Cancer
With the surgery portion of her treatment completed, Rose Sweat was immediately referred to proton therapy and placed under the care of Dr. Dagan. The Institute's high volume of experience is one of the keys to successfully treating difficult cases, like Rose's.
Jacksonville Teen Celebrates with Firehose Finish
The last treatment with proton therapy for 15-year-old Mishaun “Duke” Johnson included an extra special send-off.
Take Me Out to the Ball Game – Staff Appreciation Event
In early spring, the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute invited its staff and their families to attend a Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp game.
Survival Rates for Prostate Cancer Treated with Proton Therapy
In June, we honor Cancer Survivorship Month. This month is dedicated to celebrating and supporting cancer survivors, recognizing their strength, resilience and the journey they have undergone.
Proton Therapy News Brief Roundup
Catch up on the news and developments at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute.
- Michael Vieceli Matched with UF Health
- Lymphoma Survivorship Education Event Held in April
- Breast Cancer Survivor Pam Reckner Makes USA World Team
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.
Active After 50 Expo
Location: Thrasher-Horne Conference Center, 283 College Dr., Orange Park, FL 32065
UF Health Proton Therapy Institute will be at this year’s Active After 50 Expo in Orange Park with information and giveaways! The Active After 50 Expos provide a fun event to promote active lifestyles for Baby Boomers & Seniors. Come out for this FREE community event! Find out more at https://activeafter50online.com/.
For More Info: Contact Christina at 904.831.4034 or education@floridaproton.org
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Kickoff Event & Cancer Navigation – UF Health Jacksonville Cancer Center
Location: UF Health Jacksonville Clinical Center Main Lobby, 655 West 8th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209
We are kicking off the Proton’s Pink Warriors team for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K with the American Cancer Society this fall! Come on out to get a photo in the Big Pink Chair and join a team. While you are there, walk around and meet with UF Health experts and community partners to learn more about the cancer support 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! Can’t make it to the event? Sign up online for the Making Strides walk today: http://main.acsevents.org/goto/protonpinkwarriors
For More Info: Contact Christina Mershell at (904) 831-4034 or education@floridaproton.org
Annual Virtual Proton Ambassador Meeting
Location: Virtual via Zoom. Register in advance for the meeting at: https://ufl.zoom.us/meeting/register/heCeyNhXS_uC9UNyKo6PTA
Calling all proton ambassadors and alumni from the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute! Join us for our Annual Proton Ambassador Meeting via Zoom. We will share updates from the past year, and what the future holds for UFHPTI. We are looking forward to seeing you all again! Register in advance at the link above.
For More Info: Contact Christina Mershell at (904) 831-4034 or education@floridaproton.org.
Nassau County Council on Aging 11th Annual Senior Expo and Health Fair
Location: Atlantic Recreation Center, 2500 Atlantic Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Stop by the Proton table at the Nassau County Council on Aging 11th Annual Senior Expo and Health Fair! This is a FREE event that provides info on local resources, giveaways and entertainment. If you are a senior or know someone who could use information on community resources, then make a note on your calendar to stop by.
For More Info: Contact Christina Mershell at (904) 831-4034 or education@floridaproton.org.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk with the American Cancer Society
Location: VyStar Ballpark, 301 A Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville, FL
We walk for all of the breast cancer survivors we have had the honor to care for, as well as for their families and caregivers. Join the Proton’s Pink Warriors team as we walk 5K at the American Cancer Society’s annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event. This is a fun, free family event. If you are not up for the walk, come by for the entertainment, information and giveaways! Register to join our team or find out more about the event at: http://main.acsevents.org/goto/protonpinkwarriors.
For More Info: Contact Christina Mershell at (904) 831-4034 or education@floridaproton.org.
The Villages Prostate Cancer conference by Your Prostate Cancer Help
Location: The Brownwood Hotel & Spa, 3003 Brownwood Blvd, Wildwood, FL 32163
Have questions about the latest in prostate cancer and treatment options? Block your calendar and register for this FREE prostate cancer conference organized by YourProstateCancer.Help, held annually in The Villages, FL. Representatives from UF Health Proton Therapy Institute will be there to share research and answer questions about proton therapy for prostate cancer. Dr. Lucas Sapienza, radiation oncologist at UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, will join the panel of radiation oncology experts discussing the various radiation treatment options. Register for this free conference at: https://yourprostatecancer.help/2025/06/11/free-conference-saturday-nov-8th-in-florida-register-now/.
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.