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. In 2024, Larry was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He thanks his wife for her advocacy and support that led to the cancer diagnosis and scheduling prostate cancer treatment immediately.

When Larry felt like something was not right with his health, he scheduled a check-up. Brenda advocated for his doctors to do additional testing. Thankfully, they were no strangers to the healthcare system. Larry worked as a physical therapist with both the geriatric and pediatric population for over 30 years. Brenda retired just five years ago after a career working in a hospital pharmacy department.

His prostate cancer was diagnosed as low-grade cancer, so initially Larry was not in a hurry to pursue further treatment since it was football season, and the holidays were around the corner. But Brenda and his daughter encouraged him to investigate treatment sooner rather than later. When they came to the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute for a consultation in September, they decided to move forward with treatment. Once Larry had his CT-simulation to start the process, Brenda said she felt the stress leave her.

The experience for both patient and caregiver has been rewarding. “Quality healthcare still exists! This place is the gold standard of healthcare,” said Larry. “The staff here have a way of listening to people. They put their educational background and experience together to treat patients. And they made sure Brenda was okay too,” he added. The Institute’s support for both the patient and the caregiver meant a lot to Larry and Brenda as they reflected on this new time in their lives together.

“Cancer has a way of bringing families and communities together,” Larry shared. They hope to educate others about proton therapy for prostate cancer treatment and the importance of advocating for themselves in healthcare in the couple's hometown of Tallahassee.

“Be adamant about the care you need,” said Brenda.

Larry and Brenda found it encouraging to meet with other graduates in the lobby who came back for follow-up appointments. Hearing the experience of others that mirrored their own experience, they shared, “It’s love! It is the experience of love from the staff. That is what makes people come back and continue to share their experiences with others.”

Find out more about the programs and support available to patients and caregivers at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute.

Discover how to keep getting support when proton therapy is over and how to support others in survivorship.