Executive Director’s Message – August 2025
We hope your summer days are bright and that each day has a joyful moment and a new memory made.
Letter to the Editor
I was referred to the University of Florida Proton Therapy Institute in Jacksonville, Fla., by an old friend of mine after he heard that I had been diagnosed with cancer.
Prostate Cancer
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.
Lucas Gomes Sapienza, MD, Now Treating Gynecological Cancers, Breast Cancer and Prostate Cancer at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute
The addition of Dr. Sapienza to the team expands the Institute’s ability to treat more gynecological cancer patients.
Dr. Mendenhall Recognized During UF Spring Assembly
Several UF Health Cancer Center members were honored during the annual University of Florida College of Medicine spring assembly, which celebrates exceptional faculty achievements.
Your Stories: Conquering Cancer - Dr. Mailhot and Auburn Discuss Hodgkin Lymphoma
Conquer Cancer®, the ASCO Foundation, shares powerful stories of people impacted by cancer in the Your Stories: Conquering Cancer podcast.
Using Medical Physics to Focus on Patients
Radiation therapy using protons is being substantially enhanced by breakthroughs from the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute researchers in the field of automated treatment verification.
Sarcoma
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.
Latest Research Publications from the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute
Each research study published is one step forward to better understanding cancer and the effectiveness of cancer treatment options. Below are the latest publications by our physicians either as primary investigators or co-authors with oncology experts from around the world.
Blog Feature: Advances in Lung Cancer Treatment
One of the most significant breakthroughs in lung cancer treatment has been the ability to administer an effective radiation dose in as few as five treatments. This short-course, high-dose treatment, often referred to as SBRT, has gained traction for its ability to target cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
Proton Therapy News Brief Roundup
Catch up on the news and developments at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute.
- World Lung Cancer Day
- Breast Cancer Research Day
- Congratulations to Our Top Doctors
- New FAQ Page
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.
Annual Virtual Proton Ambassador Meeting
Location: Virtual via Zoom. Register in advance for the meeting at: https://ufl.zoom.us/meeting/register/heCeyNhXS_-uC9UNyKo6PTA
Calling all proton ambassadors and alumni from the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute! Join us for our Annual Proton Ambassador Meeting via Zoom. We will share updates from the past year, and what the future holds for the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute. We are looking forward to seeing you all again! Register in advance at the link above.
For More Info: Contact Christina Mershell at (904) 831-4034 or education@floridaproton.org.
Nassau County Council on Aging 11th Annual Senior Expo and Health Fair
Location: Atlantic Recreation Center, 2500 Atlantic Ave., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Stop by the Proton table at the Nassau County Council on Aging 11th Annual Senior Expo and Health Fair! This is a FREE event that provides info on local resources, giveaways and entertainment. If you are a senior or know someone who could use information on community resources, then make a note on your calendar to stop by.
For More Info: Contact Christina Mershell at (904) 831-4034 or education@floridaproton.org.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk with the American Cancer Society
Location: VyStar Ballpark, 301 A Philip Randolph Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32202
We walk for all of the breast cancer survivors we have had the honor to care for, as well as for their families and caregivers. Join the Proton’s Pink Warriors team as we walk 5K at the American Cancer Society’s annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event. This is a fun, free family event. If you are not up for the walk, come by for the entertainment, information and giveaways! Register to join our team or find out more about the event at: http://main.acsevents.org/goto/protonpink.
For More Info: Contact Christina Mershell at (904) 831-4034 or education@floridaproton.org.
The Villages Prostate Cancer Conference by Your Prostate Cancer Help
Location: The Brownwood Hotel & Spa, 3003 Brownwood Blvd., Wildwood, FL 32163
Have questions about the latest in prostate cancer and treatment options? Block your calendar and register for this FREE prostate cancer conference organized by Your Prostate Cancer Help, held annually in The Villages, FL. Representatives from the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute will be there to share research and answer questions about proton therapy for prostate cancer. Dr. Lucas Sapienza, radiation oncologist at UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, will join the panel of radiation oncology experts discussing the various radiation treatment options. Register for this free conference at: https://yourprostatecancer.help/2025/06/11/free-conference-saturday-nov-8th-in-florida-register-now/.
For More Info: Contact Christina Mershell 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. 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.