It’s not uncommon for patients who have completed their treatment program and are satisfied with their experience to say, I want to give back. What can I do to help others who have been diagnosed with cancer and are looking for information? It was with this patient initiative that the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute began our Ambassador program approximately 10 years ago.

“It takes away my pain,” said Rozina Behrooz, coordinator of Residency and Fellowship programs for the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute. “I go every Monday evening. It’s rare for me to miss a class because it helps me so much. Why would I want to miss it?”

There are three classes on Mondays, one for patients and two for staff, taught by Marcy Knight. Ms. Knight has a special certification in yoga for radiation oncology patients so she is especially “in tune” to our Institute patients. The help she gives patients is nothing short of miraculous some say.

Almost 98% of the patients treated at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute are treated on research protocols so it stands to reason that our annual fundraising golf tournament — Play Golf. Fight Cancer.^® — would dedicate funds raised to research. This year’s 15th Anniversary Tournament, held October 21st at World Golf Village, is no exception.

Thank you to everyone who has called or emailed your elected representatives in Congress to speak up for proton therapy. While we will not know the outcome for several weeks, we know that we are doing everything possible to fight for patient access to proton therapy.

An exceptional gift from The Lastinger Family Foundation of St. Augustine, FL, has created the Lastinger Family Foundation Endowment for Pediatric Care at UF Health Proton Therapy Institute. 

The fund will provide support for the care of pediatric patients and their families at the Institute. Support generated by this endowment will help our pediatric patients and their families in many ways, but in particular, through the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute’s Pediatric and Child Life Program.