Letter to the Editor
I can't imagine how different my life would be if I had accepted the more conventional cancer treatment and had not dug deeper into researching other options.
To the incredible staff at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute,
Let me start by saying "THANK YOU!" to everyone I met and interacted with at the Institute. Because of you, 2025 is looking especially bright for Sue and me. I can't imagine how different my life would be if I had accepted the more conventional cancer treatment and had not dug deeper into researching other options. We determined proton therapy was my best option and UF Health was our BEST and only choice. Sarah and Lisa were right by our side in the beginning. They answered a multitude of questions and then took over to get me on the schedule immediately.
When we first walked in, we felt the calmness and being greeted by Mary started us off with a good feeling. Denise then met with us to walk through the financials and alleviated our fears regarding any devastating impact the cost may have had on us. Roscoe and Jonathan were fun to get to know and put a smile on our faces every day!
My meeting with Dr. Henderson was so very encouraging, and I could not have asked for a more caring and informative doctor to start my treatment program. Initially, I was quite disappointed he would not be with me throughout the course, but Dr. Jean-Baptiste and our case manager Petrolyn Johnson made it a seamless transition. I am most grateful for the quality of attention and care I received from both of you as well as from the staff in the Tanzler Evaluation Area. Everyone impressed me so.
Christina's role was vital to our emotional well-being. She kept our life more normal than we ever thought possible. Taking a tour of the gantry site, outings to explore Jacksonville and lunch with strangers who will forever be lifelong friends kept us grounded and in good spirits. Brad and Kasey's informative lunches added to the camaraderie of our experience, and our support groups with Brad and Tamara gave us an open forum to talk freely among others on the same journey.
Thank you, my Blue Team! You all treated me with care, compassion and humor. Who would have thought laughter could be a part of cancer treatment? Having Loren, Librado, other team members and Mary stand with me at my chime ringing was greatly appreciated. So glad I had the chance to personally say goodbye to you.
Sue and I share our experience at the Institute with others so often, especially about how the lack of debilitating side effects from proton therapy makes life afterwards so worth living. Friends are amazed at my story. Each of you played a vital role in our journey, and we will be forever grateful. Thank you again for being the best of the best! God bless.
With warmest regards,
Tim and Sue Stoops