We have partnered with the only proton therapy center in the State of Florida. The University of Florida Proton Therapy Institute in Jacksonville offers an advanced cancer treatment option that helps pediatric patients suffering from rare and life-threatening brain, spine and neck tumors. 

 

The University of Florida Proton Therapy Institute uses proton therapy for the treatment of pediatric cancer. Side effects of traditional radiation may include neurocognitive deficits, hormonal problems, malformation, and rarely deafness, blindness, or radiation-induced secondary cancers. National leaders in the fields of pediatric oncology, radiation oncology, and neurosurgery recognize that proton therapy offers the best chance of cure with minimal side effects.

 

Most of the pediatric patients receive proton therapy five days a week for six weeks. Because the families travel from far away and have limited financial resources, they are housed several miles away at the Jacksonville Ronald McDonald House. Daily, up to 15 pediatric patients (and their families) are driven between the Proton Therapy Institute and the Ronald McDonald House.

 

The Florida District of Kiwanis has an opportunity to raise funds to purchase a van that would provide the transportation needed between the hospital and the Ronald McDonald House.  Lt . Gov. Markus Mittermayr, Kiwanis District Chair for UF Proton Therapy Pediatric Transportation Project, Lt. Gov Skeeter Key and Lt. Gov Al Diaz are the key managers of this project.  The Florida Kiwanis Foundation has agreed to match funding at a dollar for dollar amount of gifts up to $10,000.

 

Gifts to program can be made to “The Florida Kiwanis Foundation” with a notation that the funds are for the UF Proton Therapy Institute. Checks can be mailed to:
The Florida Kiwanis Foundation

5545 Benchmark Lane

Sanford, FL 32773-8116

 

I encourage every Kiwanian and Division to participate in this worthy project –

The Florida District can be part of this space age technology to help the children in need.

 

If you have questions, please contact:
Markus Mittermayr, 2009-2011 Florida Kiwanis Lieutenant Governor of Division 13

Phone: 727-327-4444