Pediatric Cancer

Proton Alumni Spotlight: Louis Ackers

Celebrating 10 Years Cancer Free After Proton Therapy
Louis Ackers, an 18-year-old from Surrey, England, celebrated his birthday in 2025 with a family vacation to Florida in October. The family of six — including Louis, mom, dad, two sisters and a brother — traveled to Orlando to experience the theme parks, lots of sunshine and swimming.

But there was another reason Louis wanted to visit Florida, to celebrate 10 years of being cancer free. One of the main attractions was a visit to Jacksonville and the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, where in 2016 he completed proton therapy for craniopharyngioma, a type of brain tumor. Louis wanted to return to give thanks to his treatment team. He also wanted to speak at the weekly patient luncheon to offer words of encouragement to people who are on treatment. Louis remembered how it helped him to hear from proton alumni, and he told himself that one day he would come back as a proton alum and do the same for others.

As an eight-year-old, Louis was diagnosed with craniopharyngioma and referred to the Institute to receive proton therapy, a precise type of radiation treatment that was not yet available in England. The benefit of proton therapy was the ability to provide a targeted dose to the treatment area and reduce collateral damage to the brain and other critical structures. The early outcomes of proton therapy for pediatric brain tumors are promising. The University of Florida has published landmark studies showing that proton therapy reduces the risk of early second tumors compared to treatment with conventional IMRT, and that proton therapy for craniopharyngioma in children provides meaningful benefits in preserving cognitive function and reducing rates of auditory and vascular complications.

After completing weeks of proton therapy in Jacksonville, Louis returned home to resume his daily life, including school, friends and many milestones along the way. In 2025, he completed his A-levels in the United Kingdom, similar to completing a high school diploma with AP courses in the United States. He is taking a gap year as he plans his next steps. In the meantime, he is interested in training to be a barber.

Giving Back and Inspiring Others
When he walked into the Institute for his October visit and to attend the patient luncheon, Louis said it was a surreal feeling. It was as if he entered a time warp, and it was just yesterday that he was here for treatment and listening to episodes of the animated television series SpongeBob SquarePants during his daily treatments.

Louis shared encouragement for those who are newly diagnosed or just starting proton therapy. “Proton therapy at first seems scary, daunting, but once you meet the people who are along the road with you, people who are looking after you, it becomes the best days of your life. And the people you meet along the way become your new family. The memories, dreams you make, will last you forever. It’s honestly amazing.”

The full text of Louis’ speech follows:

“It's hard to believe it's been 10 years since I was here for treatment. I was just eight years old, and now I’ve just turned 18 — so it feels pretty special to be standing here today.

When I finished treatment back in March 2016, I always said that one day I wanted to come back, to do Disney properly and to come here to the Proton Center to see everyone again.

I wanted to thank Dr. Danny, Amy, and the whole team for everything you did for me and my family. You made such a difference — not just with the treatment, but with the kindness and support you showed us every day.

I still remember the games room, the art table with Pam, and the fun patient nights and lunches. Even though I was here for treatment for my brain tumor, this place never felt scary, we made friends for life here, our proton family who we are still in contact with. And you guys were also part of that proton family, and it’s something I’ll never forget.

When I was a patient, I remember hearing other families come back and share their stories at lunch. I always thought, ‘One day, I want to be one of them.’ So, it means a lot to be here today, 10 years later celebrating 10-year anniversary and turning 18, hopefully giving a bit of hope to others.

Thank you all for everything you do — you'll always be such a big part of my story.”