April 6, 2024. – The National Association for Proton Therapy (NAPT), the nation’s leading organization dedicated to increasing patient access to advanced cancer treatments, today announced the recipients of its first annual NAPT Excellence Awards, honoring clinicians, patient advocates, caregivers and champions who have demonstrated remarkable achievements in clinical research, excellence in patient care and advocacy for patient access to proton therapy.

“We are pleased to present the first-ever NAPT Excellence Awards to an accomplished group of clinical pioneers, patient advocates, cancer care heroes, and public service champions committed clinical excellence and contributing to advance patient access, outcomes and the accessibility of proton therapy treatment,” said NAPT Executive Director Jennifer Maggiore. “From the halls of Congress to the most innovative proton centers, their tireless work on behalf of this life-saving, life-changing treatment gives hope to cancer patients across the country.”

Presented this week at the NAPT National Proton Conference in Boston, the awards honor five individuals for their work – in the practice of proton therapy, clinical research, and public policy – to advance the field of proton therapy as a life-saving cancer treatment. The first-ever recipients, recognized across five categories, are:

William Hartsell, M.D. – Accelerator Award for Clinical Achievement
Dr. William Hartsell is 2024’s recipient of the Accelerator Award honoring clinicians who embody exceptional leadership in the field of proton therapy. These individuals are champions of clinical excellence and are driving significant advancements in patient access, outcomes, and the accessibility of proton therapy treatment. Dr. Hartsell practices at Ascension Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Chicago and has directed national studies, published more than 100 papers, and given local and national lectures on topics regarding cancer treatment. He has also served in leadership roles for many national organizations, including NAPT, the American Society for Radiation Oncology, and Proton Collaborative Group.

Ron Rivera – Patient Advocate Award
Ron Rivera is 2024’s recipient of the Patient Advocacy Award recognizing patient ambassadors. These individuals, often patients themselves, are committed advocates for proton therapy. Leveraging their personal experiences, they work tirelessly to raise awareness about the value of proton therapy and passionately support increasing patient access to this life-changing cancer treatment. Ron is a former NFL head coach for the Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders and was named NFL Coach of the Year in 2013 and 2015. Diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma in 2020, his health insurance plan unexpectedly denied coverage for his proton treatment. He launched an appeal that overturned the denial, but the experience left him disheartened. “If this could happen to me,” he said. “What was happening to patients who didn’t have the public profile and quality insurance that I had?” Since then, he has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the benefits of proton therapy, which he credits with his cancer-free outcome and recovery in 2021.

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