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Survivor Spotlight: Leska Cipolla
Pregnant with her oldest son, Leska Cipolla found out that she was BRCA positive, which meant she had a higher risk of developing breast cancer. With a family history of breast cancer (her mom and two sisters), and being a nurse herself, Leska was proactive in her healthcare.
Survivor Spotlight: Barry Showalter
Barry Showalter explored other options before choosing proton therapy for high-risk prostate cancer. Barry Showalter is a 10-year prostate cancer survivor who encourages others to not worry if they are diagnosed with prostate cancer and to look into proton therapy for their treatment.
Teen Patient Continues Cheerleading Through Proton Therapy Treatments
Mya Thibodeau is a 15-year-old young woman passionate about cheerleading and exercise. It was a shock in December 2023, when Mya was diagnosed with a brain tumor. She feared her cheerleading days would have to end, but with proton therapy at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, Mya found hope and returned to cheerleading while undergoing part of her treatment for brain cancer.
Survivor Spotlight: Abbie (Dunn) Few
In April, Abbie (Dunn) Few and her husband Mike celebrate their one-year wedding anniversary. The anniversary is more than a celebration of marriage for Abbie and her family. It’s a reminder that Abbie is thriving and moving forward after a brain cancer diagnosis in 2013.
Proton Alumni Spotlight: Drew Rogers
Drew Rogers recently returned from Germany where he coached a world-class team of USA athletes in various distances at the 17th World Dragon Boat Racing Championships.
Anastasia Spiecker - Hodgkin Lymphoma Survivor
“Any time whatever I am facing in life starts to feel challenging, I remember where I’ve been and what I’ve been through. It reminds me of how strong I really am and how I’ve been guided and blessed even in the darkest times in my life,” said Anastasia Spiecker.
Survivor Spotlight: David Bruyn
David Bruyn has been through a lot. Following two strokes and brain surgery, he faced another challenge when a hemorrhagic brain stem stroke impacted his ability to swallow, leading to the installation of a feeding tube.
Survivor Spotlight: Denise Hawks
Denise was diagnosed with a spinal chordoma in 2017. Chordomas are an extremely rare type of sarcoma (cancer) that occurs in the bone, with fewer than 300 people diagnosed annually in the United States.
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.
Survivor Spotlight: Abbie (Dunn) Few
In April, Abbie (Dunn) Few and her husband Mike celebrate their one-year wedding anniversary. The anniversary is more than a celebration of marriage for Abbie and her family. It’s a reminder that Abbie is thriving and moving forward after a brain cancer diagnosis in 2013.
Survivor Spotlight: Vania Quiroz
Vania’s first response when she learned she had a brain tumor was, “Cool!” She thought it was fascinating that the doctors would be performing open brain surgery, and she was excited to share her experience with her friends and family.
Teen Patient Continues Cheerleading Through Proton Therapy Treatments
Mya Thibodeau is a 15-year-old young woman passionate about cheerleading and exercise. It was a shock in December 2023, when Mya was diagnosed with a brain tumor. She feared her cheerleading days would have to end, but with proton therapy at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, Mya found hope and returned to cheerleading while undergoing part of her treatment for brain cancer.
Young Adult Brain Tumor Survivor Found Solace in His Music and Support from His Family During Treatment
Zane Baker was diagnosed with an oligodendroglioma at age 20. When he was hospitalized following a seizure, his first call was to his parents.
Survivor Spotlight: Kama Anderson
Kama Anderson shares her journey battling a meningioma so that others know what to look for if they have similar symptoms, and because while not labeled as a cancer, a meningioma is just as dangerous. It also requires surgery, radiation and other cancer treatment methods.
Vania Q. Says When She Rang the Chime “It Was a Celebration of Life”
Ruth L. Shares How Proton Therapy “Basically Saved My Life”
Steven F. Says “Proton Radiation Was a Huge Savior for Me”
Proton Alumni Spotlight: Pam Reckner
Pam Reckner recently returned from Germany where she was a member of the first Breast Cancer Paddlers (BCP) division racing at the IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships.
Survivor Spotlight: Leska Cipolla
Pregnant with her oldest son, Leska Cipolla found out that she was BRCA positive, which meant she had a higher risk of developing breast cancer. With a family history of breast cancer (her mom and two sisters), and being a nurse herself, Leska was proactive in her healthcare.
Survivor Spotlight: Debbie Elert
When Debbie Elert was diagnosed with breast cancer on the left side, she knew maintaining her strength and getting back to her work as soon as possible were important.
Survivor Spotlight: Melissa Breedlove
Melissa Breedlove shares her breast cancer story as she believes so many more breast cancer patients could benefit from proton therapy.
Elaine Carter – Her Decision to Have Proton Therapy for Cancer in the Left Breast
A year ago, Elaine Carter was faced with a decision. A regular screening mammogram led to a diagnosis of breast cancer in her left breast.
Maureen “Moe” LaTour – Nurse Chooses Proton Therapy for High-Risk Breast Cancer Treatment
When she was diagnosed with high-risk breast cancer in 2017, Maureen “Moe” LaTour had an advantage. She had nearly 40 years of experience as a nurse.
Allison Kijek – Her Search for the Best Breast Cancer Treatment Led to Proton Therapy
An on-the-go military spouse and mom, Allison Kijek is used to keeping her options open. So when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017, she researched and got a second opinion.
Kelly J. Was Determined to Beat Breast Cancer and is 14-Years Cancer-Free
Elaine C. Rang the Chime and Thought “Now I Can Heal. Now I Can Live.”
Michael K. Sees Life Cancer-Free After Proton Therapy for an Eye Melanoma
Survivor Spotlight: David Bruyn
David Bruyn has been through a lot. Following two strokes and brain surgery, he faced another challenge when a hemorrhagic brain stem stroke impacted his ability to swallow, leading to the installation of a feeding tube.
Caregiving: A Spouse Reflects on “Being Present” During Cancer Treatment
On November 15, 2018, my husband was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. I, of course, went online and this is one of the first sentences I saw: “Esophageal cancer is the sixth most common cause of cancer deaths worldwide.” It was not a good day.
Giving Thanks for Lifesaving Treatment, Marla Doss and Family Award a Challenge Grant
Over the span of nearly 10 years, Marla Doss has overcome the odds: beating a cervical cancer diagnosis — twice.
Proton Alumni Spotlight: Drew Rogers
Drew Rogers recently returned from Germany where he coached a world-class team of USA athletes in various distances at the 17th World Dragon Boat Racing Championships.
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.
Artwork of Jacksonville Native and Patient Featured on NFL Cleats in December
Gracielin Hickox, 17, of Jacksonville, Fla., was surprised to learn she was chosen to design Jaguars Pro Bowl long snapper Ross Matiscik’s cleats for a December game.
Anastasia Spiecker - Hodgkin Lymphoma Survivor
“Any time whatever I am facing in life starts to feel challenging, I remember where I’ve been and what I’ve been through. It reminds me of how strong I really am and how I’ve been guided and blessed even in the darkest times in my life,” said Anastasia Spiecker.
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.
Toni R. Says “Ringing the Chime Meant She Could Breathe Again”
Survivor Spotlight: Richard Felder
Richard Felder recently returned from a surprise birthday and Father's Day dream trip to Hawaii with his daughter Kimberlee, all arranged by her and his other daughter Shontay.
Survivor Spotlight: Larry Smith
Together for 50 years and married for 37 years, Larry and Brenda Smith are truly friends and partners who support each other through everything.
Survivor Spotlight: Don Whitaker
Don Whitaker is a self-professed “health nut” and square dance caller who completed radiation treatment for prostate cancer 15 years ago.
Survivor Spotlight: Barry Showalter
Barry Showalter explored other options before choosing proton therapy for high-risk prostate cancer. Barry Showalter is a 10-year prostate cancer survivor who encourages others to not worry if they are diagnosed with prostate cancer and to look into proton therapy for their treatment.
Survivor Spotlight: Pete Gardner
Pete Gardner is a U.S. Navy veteran and was working as a health physicist for the Navy when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. When he found out that radiation was one of the treatment options for prostate cancer, he knew a thing or two about the effects of radiation on the body.
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.
Survivor Spotlight: Bruce Horovitz
In his distinguished career as a journalist, author and entrepreneur, Bruce Horovitz is skilled in finding, researching and writing stories – asking questions and finding answers. Asking questions and finding answers became an even more important part of his life during his prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Survivor Spotlight: Arthur “Ajay” Bendolph
Ajay Bendolph wants men to know prostate cancer could happen to them even if they don’t expect it. According to the National Cancer Institute, African American men are more likely to develop prostate cancer and are twice as likely to die from the disease, compared to white men.
Lee Moultrie III is Thriving and Advocating for Others Post Cancer Treatment
For Lee Moultrie III, 65, it’s all about recovery after his treatment. He looks forward to mowing the lawn or heading to the gym – any activity that keeps him active. One of the most important parts of his recovery is advocating for proton therapy and reaching people of color in their communities where he hopes to help those in need navigate the healthcare system.
Reid Tillery - Prostate Cancer Survivor
“If I knew then what I know now, I wouldn’t have worried as much,” said Reid Tillery, a twelve-year prostate cancer survivor.
Michael D. Says Ringing the Chime He Could Feel A Weight Lifted “Knowing Things Are Moving in the Right Direction”
Mike K. Says It Felt Great to Ring Aud’s Chime Knowing He Made the Right Decision
Gary F. Shares How Ringing the Chime Brought Tears of Gratitude to His Eyes
Terrance F. Recalls the Chime “Sounded Like a Second Chance at Life”
Survivor Spotlight: Denise Hawks
Denise was diagnosed with a spinal chordoma in 2017. Chordomas are an extremely rare type of sarcoma (cancer) that occurs in the bone, with fewer than 300 people diagnosed annually in the United States.
Former Pediatric Patient Turned Nursing Student Reflects on Her Cancer Journey, Inspiration for Career
Lauren Foster made her first trip to the United States from her family’s home in Birmingham, England when she was 10 years old. It was a trip that would change her life. Lauren, her mother, father and sister made the journey together so that Lauren could receive proton therapy treatment for a rare tumor called rhabdomyosarcoma, a type of tumor that occurs in soft tissue.
Survivor Spotlight: Mollie Mulholland
“It’s hard to have hope in the middle of a storm like the cancer diagnosis of your child. However, proton therapy was the key to Mollie’s survival. We got the best treatment available to her,” said parents Fiona and Declan Mulholland during a follow-up visit in Jacksonville more than four years after their daughter’s treatment for a rare tumor, rhabdomyosarcoma.
Kathleen Patti - Sarcoma Survivor
At seven years old, Kathleen was diagnosed with cancer and underwent surgery and traditional radiation to remove the tumor located along her spine. The treatment was successful and Kathleen went on with her life as any normal little girl would.
Proton Alumni Spotlight: Louis Ackers
Discover how a pediatric brain tumor survivor celebrated 10 years cancer free after receiving proton therapy for craniopharyngioma at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute.
Proton Alumni Spotlight: Cody Ellison
Cody faced a brain tumor when he was only 8 years old, and today, healthy at age 22, he wishes to give back to patients at the Institute that were just like him.
Pediatric Patient Celebrates the Conclusion of His Treatment with a Firetruck Ride
In August, Mike Metzler and Gary Fiske, two adult patients, arranged for a young Canadian patient, AJ Smith, to travel into the sky in a firetruck bucket in celebration of completing his treatment. Mike got to know AJ while they were both receiving treatment and bonded over baseball.
Former Patient Awaits His Call to the Big Leagues
You can watch Dylan Simmons strike out player after player from the pitcher’s mound in Dayton, Ohio. He recently transferred to the Dayton Dragons after pitching for a partial season in Daytona Beach, Fla. He has already struck out his toughest opponent – cancer – so this daily feat is no sweat.
One of the Institute’s First Patients Celebrates 15 Years Cancer Free
Fifteen years ago, the Institute opened its doors to provide lifesaving cancer care to those in need, including one of its first patients.
Katie Sanders - Pediatric Cancer Survivor
Katie graduated from the University of Georgia on May 4, 2018 with a degree in statistics and was inducted in Mu Sigma Rho, a National Statistical Honor Society. She will continue her studies with a biostatistics internship at Emory University this summer and a two-year biostatistics Master’s degree program at the University of Michigan this fall.
