Orlando Pride Players Surprise Pediatric Cancer Patient
ORLANDO, FL. (July 11, 2016) – It was special day at Orlando Health as a pediatric cancer patient got a surprise visit from some of his soccer idols. Orlando Pride soccer players Aubrey Bledsoe (goalkeeper), Christina Burkenroad (forward), Jamia Fields (forward) and Dani Weatherholt (mid-fielder) dropped in at UF Health Cancer Center - Orlando Health to surprise 12-year old Zayne Burton who was completing his final round of proton therapy treatment. Zayne, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor earlier this year, made history when he became the first pediatric patient to undergo proton therapy treatment here in Central Florida at the Center for Proton Therapy at Orlando Health. The players brought Zayne a signed Alex Morgan jersey and then helped him with the ceremonial ringing of the bell to celebrate completing his proton treatment.
In total, Zayne underwent 30 proton therapy treatments over a period of 6 weeks, next he will undergo chemotherapy. Doctors say his prognosis is very good.
Orlando Health began treating patients with proton therapy in early April becoming the first proton therapy center in Central Florida. Proton therapy is a form of radiation therapy that uses proton beams to treat selected tumors in adult and pediatric patients. The Marjorie and Leonard Williams Center for Proton Therapy treats cancers of the brain, spine, prostate, lung, breast, gastrointestinal tract, head and neck as well as pediatric cancers. Proton therapy, because it can so precisely target tumors, holds the promise of effective treatment with fewer side effects. This type of therapy limits the dosage of radiation to adjacent organs, thereby potentially limiting side effects in all patients, and reducing the effect on growth in pediatric patients.
Photos and hi res video available for download and free unrestricted use:
Video: Courtesy, Orlando Health
Photos: Courtesy, Katie Dagenais
Photo Captions:
- Zayne Burton is surprised by Orlando Pride players from left, Jamia Fields, Aubrey Bledsoe, Christina Burkenroad and Dani Weatherholt after completing his final proton therapy treatment at Orlando Health.
- Jamia Fields high fives Zayne Burton after he finishes his 30th, and final, proton therapy treatment.
- Zayne Burton and Orlando Pride players are joined by Zayne’s proton therapy team. From left, Brittany Gleason, radiation therapist, Aubrey Bledsoe, goalkeeper, Christina Burkenroad, forward, Zayne, Dani Weatherholt, midfielder, Jamia Fields, forward. Back row, Katie Moffatt, proton therapy supervisor and Jared Clauss, radiation therapist.
- Zayne and his parents are joined by Orlando Pride players. From left, Christina Burkenroad, forward, Aubrey Bledsoe, goalkeeper, Lori Burton, Zayne’s mom, Nevin Burton, Zayne’s brother, Colby Burton, Zayne’s brother, Zayne, Dani Weatherholt, midfielder, Chaz Burton, Zayne’s dad, Jamia Fields, forward.
- Zayne exits the proton therapy vault for the final time at UF Health Cancer Center - Orlando Health.6) Orlando Pride players help Zayne Burton with the ceremonial ringing of the bell to mark the end of his proton treatment. From left, Christina Burkenroad, Jamia Fields, Aubrey Bledsoe, Zayne and Dani Weatherholt.
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About Orlando Health
Orlando Health is a $2.3 billion not-for-profit health care organization and a community-based network of physician practices, hospitals, and outpatient care centers throughout Central Florida. The organization is home to the area’s only Level One Trauma Centers for adults and pediatrics and is a statutory teaching hospital system that offers both specialty and community hospitals. More than 2,000 physicians have privileges at Orlando Health, which is also one of the area’s largest employers with more than 15,000 employees who serve nearly 2 million Central Florida residents and more than 4,500 international patients annually. Additionally, Orlando Health provides nearly $235 million in support of community health needs. More information can be found at www.orlandohealth.com.
