Executive Director’s Message – February 2025
Thank you for reading the first newsletter of 2025 from the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute. As we begin another year, we are excited to continue celebrating the strength and resilience of our patients, especially as we share in the meaningful moment of ringing Aud’s Chime with those completing their cancer treatments. We also look forward to welcoming new families seeking compassionate care and support.
Letter to the Editor—My Heart is Overflowing with Gratitude
Dear Editor,
Well, it’s been 2.7 years since I completed my proton therapy.
I'm still here.
I'm still cancer free.
My heart is still overflowing with gratitude.
Brain Cancer
Survivor Spotlight: Vania Quiroz
Vania’s first response when she learned she had a brain tumor was, “Cool!” She thought it was fascinating that the doctors would be performing open brain surgery, and she was excited to share her experience with her friends and family.
UF Research Advances Care for Children with Low-Grade Gliomas
Gliomas are the most common pediatric brain tumor and encompass a diverse group of high-grade and low-grade tumors.
Prostate Cancer
Survivor Spotlight: Larry Smith
Together for 50 years and married for 37 years, Larry and Brenda Smith are truly friends and partners who support each other through everything.
Artwork of Jacksonville Native and Patient Featured on NFL Cleats in December
Gracielin Hickox, 17, of Jacksonville, Fla., was surprised to learn she was chosen to design Jaguars Pro Bowl long snapper Ross Matiscik’s cleats for a December game.
The UF Health Proton Therapy Institute in the Community
Patients often tell us that they heard about proton therapy and the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute from a friend, co-worker or someone from church.
Benefits of Prostate Cancer Screening
The new year is a good time to look ahead and think about what preventative medical care you may need. This includes cancer screenings.
Proton Therapy News Brief Roundup
Catch up on the news and developments at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute.
- Art With a Heart Returns
- Santa Joe and the Community Come Together to Bring Holiday Cheer to Pediatric Patients
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.
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.