Cyndi Stevenson

Americans who have given what Abraham Lincoln called “the last full measure of devotion” occupy a special place in our nation’s history. As we commemorate America 250 by celebrating the birth of freedom represented by the Declaration of Independence, it is important to point out that not a single Founding Father believed either the Declaration or the Constitution (created in the decade following the American Revolution) guaranteed the perpetuation of a free society. They all understood that creating a framework for a republican form of government was necessary but not sufficient to ensure the preservation of individual liberty. The American experiment would require hard work — and each generation of Americans would have to do its part when freedom was at risk. No group has given more in service of this experiment than those who we honor on Memorial Day. Without their sacrifice, the preservation of a constitutional system would be impossible — and there would not be a celebration for America 250. They fought the good fight, they finished the race, they kept the faith. And we will be forever in their debt.

Great to be at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville with First Lady @CaseyDeSantis today to announce the launch of the only carbon ion therapy program in the Western Hemisphere—a major milestone for cancer care in Florida and nationwide. Our administration is committed to fighting cancer by making targeted investments in innovative therapies that have the potential to save lives. During my time as governor, we’ve increased funding for cancer research and treatment programs by more than 114 percent. The Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program has strengthened Florida’s position as a national leader in cancer research and innovation. We’re proud that Mayo Clinic chose Florida as the home for this groundbreaking initiative, and we look forward to seeing how these cutting-edge therapies give hope to patients fighting some of the most aggressive and treatment-resistant cancers.

Mayo Clinic’s doctors and researchers are on the front lines of Florida’s fight against cancer. Today, we were happy to announce that Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville will be launching the first carbon ion therapy program in America. Carbon ion therapy, one of the most advanced forms of radiation treatment in the world, is designed to attack some of the most aggressive and treatment-resistant cancers. This cutting-edge treatment has the potential to save lives and give hope to those who need it most. Proton therapy will also be available in the same facility, allowing specialists to treat tumors with a higher degree of precision. While carbon ion therapy was originally discovered in the United States decades ago, it has only been available at a limited number of centers in Asia and Europe until now. Soon, cancer patients will have access to therapies that previously required traveling across the world, right here in Florida.