Jacksonville, Florida – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis on Thursday announced the launch of the nation’s first carbon ion therapy program to treat cancer.

Governor DeSantis made the announcement during the period.IThere will be no press conference at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, as it will be the first hospital in the country to implement the program.

“This is probably the most advanced form of radiation therapy anywhere in the world, used very effectively in Japan,” the governor said.

To watch DeSantis’ full remarks, press play above

The governor said the treatment will help target some of the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat cancers, particularly those that “don’t respond well to traditional radiation.”

DeSantis also emphasized the overall commitment to investing in cancer control across the state.

Cancer survivor Casey DeSantis spoke about the importance of investing in cancer initiatives like this new program.

“Be brave, be strong, because you can overcome it. And look at what the state of Florida is doing to provide options that are unique here at Mayo Clinic and here in Florida, and nowhere else in the Western Hemisphere,” the first lady said.

The first patients to receive the new proton therapy are expected to receive treatment in early 2027, officials said.