Executive Director’s Message – February 2026
In 2026, we proudly mark the 20th anniversary of the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute—a milestone that reflects two decades of innovation, compassion and progress in cancer care.
Letter to the Editor
We are writing to express our heartfelt gratitude for the exceptional care and compassion shown during John's recent treatment for prostate cancer at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute.
Alumni Spotlight: Tara Burch
Tara Burch is a mother of four, a foster parent of five and a grandmother to eight. Her world is her family, her children, her church and her community.
Why Cancer Screenings Matter
Early detection is a powerful tool in the fight against cancer. When a tumor is found before it shows symptoms, the chances of successful treatment rise dramatically, and the prognosis becomes far more optimistic.
20 Years of Progress in Proton Therapy: The Groundbreaking
On January 21, 2003, the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute broke ground on the first proton therapy facility in the southeastern United States, the fifth in the nation.
The UF Health Proton Therapy Institute is Expanding Treatment Options for Gynecologic Cancers
The UF Health Proton Therapy Institute has expanded its treatment options for gynecologic cancers such as cervical, vaginal, vulvar and uterine/endometrial cancer.
Three Questions with Dr. Sapienza
Dr. Sapienza is now treating gynecological cancers at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute.
2025 Accomplishments and Professional Milestones
The staff and faculty at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute are dedicated to providing quality and compassionate health care to our patients. In 2025, we reached the milestone of treating our 12,000th patient with proton therapy here at the Institute.
Latest Research Publications from the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute
Each research study published is one step forward to better understanding cancer and the effectiveness of cancer treatment options.
The Blog Spot: February 2026 Feature
Get to know the staff at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute and their role in your cancer treatment plan.
Proton Therapy News Brief Roundup - February 2026
- Celebrating the Holidays in 2025
- Groundbreaking Research Published in The Lancet
- Research Presented at ASTRO 2025
- Alumni Reception Held at The Villages
- 2025 Community Outreach Report
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.
Western North Carolina Prostate Support Group - Presentation
Location: Online via Zoom or in-person at First Baptist Church of Asheville, 5 Oak Street, Asheville, NC
Join speaker, Christina Mershell, from the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, as she meets virtually with the Western NC Prostate Support Group to discuss the role of proton therapy in the treatment of prostate cancer. This meeting will be an opportunity to ask all of your questions, find out what this targeted treatment is all about and hear some of the latest proton therapy research. If you are in the Asheville area, we hope you can join the group in-person. Support group website: https://wncprostatesupport.org/.
For More Info: Contact Christina at (904) 831-4034 or education@floridaproton.org.
Cancer Resource Navigation Info Session
Location: UF Health Jacksonville, Main Hospital Clinical Center, East Expansion Café, 655 W. 8th St, Jacksonville, FL 32209
If you have been newly diagnosed with cancer, or you are a cancer survivor, we are here to support you. Meet with UF Health experts and community partners to learn more about the resources available to you and your family. Representatives will be available from the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, community resources and other oncology services. Sponsored by UF Health Jacksonville.
For More Info: Contact Christina at (904) 831-4034 or education@floridaproton.org.
Proton Therapy & Prostate Cancer – Presentation for IslandWalk Academy
Location: IslandWalk Academy, Venice, Florida
The UF Health Proton Therapy Institute will join the IslandWalk Academy for an educational presentation discussing the role of proton therapy radiation in the treatment of prostate cancer. Speaker, Christina Mershell, will discuss pencil beam scanning proton therapy and the research on patient outcomes. The presentation will be followed by a panel discussion with three prostate cancer survivors who were treated with proton therapy. If you are interested in joining us for this presentation, contact us via the info below.
For More Info: Contact Christina at (904) 831-4034 or education@floridaproton.org.
Thriving After Breast Cancer: A Day of Hope and Healing
Location: UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, 2015 N. Jefferson St., Jacksonville, FL 32206
On April 23, 2026, the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute will host their second Thriving After Breast Cancer: A Day of Hope and Healing. This survivorship event will feature speakers, resources and community support for patients and survivors. Join us for an inspiring day designed to uplift survivors and empower those still on their journey. Hope, healing and community are the heart of survivorship, and we are honored to bring these together. Join us if you are a breast cancer survivor currently undergoing treatment or completed treatment years ago!
For More Info: Contact Tamara at (904) 588-1293 or tsorrye@floridaproton.org.
Save the Date: October 2026, a 20th Anniversary Celebration
We are thrilled to welcome friends of the Institute back to Northeast Florida as we celebrate our 20th Anniversary in October 2026! More details about the celebration event will be shared soon. If you are interested in hosting an alumni gathering in your area, please reach out to Kasey Heilman at Kheilman@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.