Executive Director’s Message – October 2025
In August, the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute proudly celebrated 19 years of caring for patients with cancer. As the first center in the Southeast to treat cancer with proton beam therapy, we remain committed to advancing patient-centered care and research that continues to make a difference every day.
Letter to the Editor
On behalf of the Szykowny family, Peg and I would like to thank all the medical professionals at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute for their care and treatment of my prostate cancer using the proton therapy option.
Getting to Know Dr. Danny
Best known as Dr. Danny to his patients, Dr. Daniel Indelicato leads the University of Florida pediatric radiotherapy program and is a tenured Professor and Associate Vice Chair of the University of Florida Department of Radiation Oncology.
Pediatric Cancer
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.
Alumni Compete in World Dragon Boat Championships
The UF Health Proton Therapy Institute is proud that it treated two patients who recently competed in the IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships.
Breast Cancer
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.
Head and Neck Cancer
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.
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.
Blog Spot: Cancer Caregivers and Coping With Your Loved One’s Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
People often overlook the selflessness of family and friends who care for someone with cancer.
Proton Therapy News Brief Roundup
Catch up on the news and developments at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute.
- Celebrating Employee Appreciation Week
- Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
- Staff Honored with UF College of Medicine Awards
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.
Jacksonville Jaguars Celebrate Cancer Survivors at the NFL Crucial Catch Game
Location: EverBank Stadium, 1 EverBank Stadium Dr., Jacksonville, FL 32202
The Jacksonville Jaguars will honor cancer survivors at the October 12th game as a part of the NFL Crucial Catch initiative with the American Cancer Society. The halftime show will have a special ceremony celebrating childhood cancer survivors and their families. The pregame ceremony will include UF Health Proton Therapy Institute staff and cancer survivors as part of the dedicated team holding the U.S. flag during the national anthem. If you are at this game, look out for these special events and cheer on all cancer survivors! Before the game, stop by the Fan Entertainment Zone from 10:00AM – 1:00 PM to find out about cancer screening recommendations with UF Health.
For More Info: Contact Christina 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. 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.
Cancer Resource Navigation Event – UF Health Jacksonville
Location: UF Health Jacksonville Clinical Center, Main Lobby, 655 West 8th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209
Stop by to find out more about what UF Health Proton Therapy Institute has to offer as we join the UF Health Jacksonville cancer team at the next Cancer Resource Navigation Event. The oncology departments will be available to answer your questions, as well as representatives from programs providing social and emotional support. Additional community organizations including the local American Cancer Society office will be there with information for cancer survivors and caregivers.
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. 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.