Jacksonville, FL — Elaine Carter’s cancer journey began in 2021 as she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Surgery was first followed by chemo and then radiation at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute.

“The surgeon said we’re going to take to the proton therapy because my breast cancer was on the left side, and your heart is on your left side. She explains proton therapy will go exactly to the tumor. It will not affect the heart.”, said Carter.

Elaine works at UF Health, but didn’t realize the extent of the good they’re doing until she went through treatment.

After 33 sessions, she rang Aud’s Chime to signal the end of her journey.

“I could breathe finally. I could take a breath and I knew that I was strong and I beat this.”, she said.

Elaine is thankful to everyone at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, calling them family.

She’s since become an ambassador to help other people going through treatment, and says it’s the next step of healing for her.

Listen to the full interview here:

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Rich Jones

Rich Jones is the Host of Jacksonville’s Morning News. Rich joined WOKV in October 2006. Rich is involved in many community organizations and causes. Rich and his wife, Noelle, have three children: Avery, Harper and Austen.