Accelerator Award for Clinical Achievement
The Accelerator Award for Clinical Achievement honors exceptional clinicians who demonstrate leadership in proton therapy. Awardees are distinguished for their clinical excellence, pivotal role in advancing patient access and outcomes, and efforts to make proton therapy more accessible.
2024 WINNER
Dr. William Hartsell
Recognized for his exemplary contributions to the field of proton therapy. As a leader, he has directed pivotal national studies, contributed over 100 scholarly articles, and delivered countless lectures on cancer treatment. His leadership extends through influential roles in organizations like NAPT, the American Society for Radiation Oncology, and the Proton Collaborative Group, marking him as a significant advocate and innovator in the advancement of proton therapy.
Patient Advocate Award
The Patient Advocate Award celebrates individuals who, often drawing from their personal journeys, tirelessly promote proton therapy. They are advocates for the therapy, striving to enhance awareness and access for patients to this transformative cancer treatment.
2024 WINNER
Ron Rivera
Ron Rivera is a former NFL head coach and two-time NFL Coach of the Year. After facing an unexpected denial from his health insurance for proton treatment in 2020, Rivera successfully appealed, sparking his advocacy for proton therapy. His efforts have since been dedicated to raising awareness and improving access to proton therapy, crediting it for his recovery and cancer-free status in 2021.
Patient Care Award
The Patient Care Award is given to caregivers in the proton therapy community who demonstrate outstanding commitment to supporting patients and families. This award celebrates those who ensure a compassionate, comprehensive treatment experience, coordinating care that addresses the unique needs of each patient.
2024 WINNER
Sara Grigery, RN
Sara serves as a proton therapy nurse navigator at the University of Kansas Proton Therapy Center. Her role is critical in orchestrating patient care, from treatment planning to facilitating communication among medical and support staff. Her dedication ensures that every aspect of a patient’s journey is managed with empathy and professionalism, highlighting her exceptional contribution to patient care.
Champion Award
The Champion Award is reserved for public officials who have demonstrated a strong commitment to advocating for proton therapy access through legislative and regulatory efforts. Awardees are recognized for their leadership in promoting policies that ensure patients have access to advanced radiotherapy treatments.
2024 WINNERS
Rep. John Rutherford (R-FL)
Rep. Scott Peters (D-CA)
Congressmen Scott Peters and John Rutherford, the 2024 recipients, have been instrumental in safeguarding patient access to proton therapy. Their bipartisan efforts to address potential challenges within CMS’ Radiation Oncology Alternative Payment Model exemplify their dedication to ensuring that advances in radiotherapy remain accessible to those in need. Their leadership has not only had a significant impact on policy but has also underscored the importance of bipartisan support for the advancement of cancer treatment technologies.
