Executive Director’s Message – December 2024
As we approach the end of the year, we find ourselves in a season of reflection—a time to cherish our relationships and give back to the community that supports us. At the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, we recognize the invaluable role of family and friends in the cancer care journey by observing National Family Caregivers Month in November.
Dr. Indelicato Given High Honor of Becoming an ASTRO Fellow
On Oct. 1, 2024, at the American Society for Radiation Oncology’s 66th Annual Meeting awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., Daniel Indelicato, MD, was officially recognized as an ASTRO Fellow (FASTRO). He was one of 48 members awarded this year, and one of only 498 Fellows since the program began in 2006. ASTRO Fellows are nominated by past Fellows.
Proton Alumni Gathering Brings Patients and Survivors Together
Over 25 people joined Christina Mershell and Kasey Heilman at a proton alumni event in The Villages.
Prostate Cancer Education Conference Held at The Villages
For the second year, Curtis Bryant, MD, MPH, spoke at the prostate cancer conference for patients and caregivers held in The Villages.
Santa Joe Returns This December to Bring Joy to All
It’s nearly time for the annual visit from Santa Joe. This year, the holiday party will be held December 19 from 10 a.m. to noon. He will deliver a specially curated collection of toys and gifts based on the wish lists of each pediatric patient currently on treatment and their siblings.
Cancer Screening Highlighted by the NFL's Crucial Catch
The UF Health Proton Therapy Institute was honored to partner with UF Health and staff a booth at the Jacksonville Jaguars game on Oct. 27 during the NFL’s Crucial Catch.
Dr. Nancy Mendenhall Receives Lifetime Achievement Award from IBA
IBA, the worldwide leader in proton therapy technology, honored Nancy Price Mendenhall, MD, FACR, FASTRO with a Lifetime Achievement Award during the IBA Proteus® User Meeting 2024.
Simulation Suite Upgrades Phase II Complete with the Installation of MRI
The commissioning of a newly installed Philips Ingenia 1.5T MRI scanner is complete and caps Phase II of renovation and upgrade to the simulation suite technology.
Halloween Featured Goodies, Games and Costumes
Dozens of children who dressed as superheroes, princesses and spooky characters gathered a bounty of candy, games, prizes and toys as they took part in the Oct. 31 Halloween tradition at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute.
Proton Therapy News Brief Roundup
Catch up on the news and developments at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute.
- Dr. Zhang and his colleagues receive recognition for research
- 66th ASTRO Annual Meeting
- Particle Therapy Cooperative Group - North America (PTCOG-NA) 10th Annual Meeting
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.
Treating Cancer with Proton Therapy – Rotary Club of Edgewater
Location: Edgewater Rotary Clubhouse, 2140 S. Riverside Dr., Suite #21, Edgewater, FL 32141
What is proton therapy, and how is it used to treat cancer? What types of cancers can be treated with proton therapy? Find out the answers these questions and more as we meet with the Rotary Club of Edgewater. Reach out to us if you are interested in joining this discussion.
For More Info: Contact Christina at 904.831.4034 or education@floridaproton.org
Proton Therapy for Head & Neck Skin Cancer - Jacksonville Aviation Authority
Location: Jacksonville International Airport
The UF Health Proton Therapy Institute has been invited out to speak with the Jacksonville Aviation Authority team about the benefits of proton radiation for skin cancers of the head & neck. Proton therapy offers a valuable option for skin cancers that present in the head & neck region of the body, in addition to over 20 other types of cancers. Interested in a presentation like this for your community group? Reach out to us today.
For More Info: Contact Christina at 904.831.4034 or education@floridaproton.org
Advanced Proton Therapy for Cancer - Rotary Club of Bartram Trail - Julington Creek
Location: Westminster Woods, River Lounge, 25 State Rd 13, Fruit Cove, FL 32259
Radiation treatment has advanced tremendously over the past 20 years. Find out how proton therapy is moving the needle with this precise radiation treatment option for cancer patients. Reach out to us if you are interested in joining this discussion.
For More Info: Contact Christina at 904.831.4034 or education@floridaproton.org
Cecil Pines Adult Living Community Annual St. Patrick's Day Health Fair
Location: 6008 Lake Cove Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32221
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day and discover health tips & resources in the Jacksonville community at the Annual St. Patrick's Day Health Fair at Cecil Pines Adult Living Community. Come out dressed up in green for a festive afternoon!
For More Info: Contact Christina 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.