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England sends proton therapy patients to Jacksonville

By Letisha Bereola, Action News Jax

Jacksonville is home to one of the more unique cancer treatment facilities in the country. The UF Proton Therapy Institute is one of just 15 centers in the country to provide proton therapy.

By Letisha Bereola, Action News Jax

Jacksonville is known for its beaches, but the city is also a medical tourism destination.

Two-year-old Amber Bienias and her family are from a small town in England.

Amber is receiving treatment from UF Health’s Proton Therapy facility.

It’s the largest pediatric proton therapy program in the world.

The facility said it has a contract with England’s publicly funded health care system and that’s one of the reasons it’s become an international destination: When patients need proton therapy, England sends them here.

The family is enjoying Jacksonville.

"Very friendly. Very friendly. Everyone is very helpful. It’s been a good experience," said Amber’s mother Debbie Norman.

According to the tourism organization Visit Jacksonville, the estimated economic impact for medical tourism in the city is more than $23 million annually.

Cox Media Group

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