Executive Director Message - July/August 2022
Increasingly, our patients tell us they have been referred by their physician to have proton therapy. This is a good sign. It tells us that our colleagues in medicine see the evidence and the value of protons to treat many types of cancers effectively. Many more patients tell us they heard about proton therapy through a past patient, family member, friend or acquaintance. This is also a good sign. It tells us the experience during treatment and the quality of life following treatment give patients and caregivers the confidence to recommend proton therapy.
Prostate Cancer Study:
Proton therapy achieves high efficacy with a shorter course of treatment. Typically, proton therapy for prostate cancer is given over an eight-week period with 39 treatments. There is new evidence from the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute that a six-week, 28-treatment course of proton therapy is highly effective and achieves excellent prostate cancer patient outcomes.
Patient Spotlight: Abe DeLeon aka Proton Man
You may have seen a man outfitted as Proton Man in the halls at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute this summer. Under the mask and cape: Abe DeLeon from Roswell, Georgia, who was being treated for prostate cancer.
15-Year Reflections
In our first 15 years we have made medical history as the first to offer proton therapy in the state of Florida and all of the Southeastern United States. We have treated more than 10,000 patients and opened over 65 clinical trials.
Annual Proton Ambassador Program Update
Are you a UF Health Proton Therapy Institute Ambassador? If so, be sure to join us live online via Zoom for an Ambassador meeting on Tuesday, August 16 at 12 p.m.
Dr. Adam Holtzman Appointed Deputy Operations Editor of the International Journal of Particle Therapy
Adam L. Holtzman, MD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology, Jacksonville, was appointed Deputy Operations Editor of the International Journal of Particle Therapy (IJPT) on March 1, 2022.
Welcome Kasey Heilman, Director of Development
Welcome Kasey Heilman, Director of Development The UF Health Proton Therapy Institute has appointed Kasey Heilman as Director of Development. In her new role, Kasey will lead the development and implementation of fundraising programs to support and advance the priorities of the Institute. She works closely with donors, volunteers, patients, faculty and staff to advance philanthropic initiatives.
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.
Annual Proton Ambassador Program Update
Presented by: Bradlee Robbert, Director of Operations & Christina Mershell, Business Development Coordinator
Virtual via Zoom. Contact us to Register for the meeting!
Are you a UF Health Proton Therapy Institute Ambassador? If so, be sure to join us for a virtual Ambassador meeting. During this time to connect with fellow Ambassadors, Bradlee Robbert and Christina Mershell will provide updates on UFHPTI and resources that may be helpful to you as Ambassadors.
Not an Ambassador? Join us to find out more about this amazing program. Ambassadors are available to share their experience with proton therapy to those who are exploring their cancer treatment options. Reach out to Christina Mershell to find out how to join the Ambassador program and share your experience with prospective patients.
For More Info & to Register, Contact Christina Mershell at (904) 831-4034 or education@floridaproton.org.
American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Jacksonville River City Chapter
Presented by: Christina Mershell, Business Development Coordinator
Virtual Meeting – Contact us for meeting details.
Join us for an introduction to the role that proton therapy radiation can play in the treatment of over 20 types of cancer.
For More Info: Contact Christina Mershell at (904) 831-4034 or education@floridaproton.org.
Altrusa Club of Monticello – What is Proton Therapy?
Presented by: Christina Mershell, Business Development Coordinator
First United Methodist Church, 325 Walnut St, Monticello, FL 32344
Join us for an introduction to the role that proton therapy radiation can play in the treatment of over 20 types of cancer.
For More Info: Contact Christina Mershell at (904) 831-4034 or education@floridaproton.org.
Pink Ribbon Symposium – Updates in Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer
Presentation by: Eric Brooks, MD, MHS
Thrasher-Horne Conference Center, 283 College Drive, Orange Park, FL 32065
The 15thAnnual Pink Ribbon Symposium is a free community event to promote breast cancer awareness, support breast cancer survivors and provide information on making healthy lifestyle choices. This event includes presentations by local healthcare professionals including our very own, Dr. Eric Brooks, discussing updates in radiation treatment options for breast cancer. Drop by for one talk, browse the exhibit tables or stay for the whole event. No registration required. Symposium Details may be found at: https://pinkribbonsymposium.org/events/ and https://www.facebook.com/events/1181059419329067.
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 monthly 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.