Raising awareness- Larry's esophageal cancer story and survivorship
Larry Hartfield has called Gainesville, Florida home for more than 20 years. He’s ingrained in the community- he owns a local insurance company, teaches martial arts and is the board president for Stop Children’s Cancer’s Board of Directors. In 2024, Larry himself went to the doctor when he felt that something just wasn’t right. He was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, cancer of the esophagus — the muscular tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. Even though this was overwhelming and stressful time for Larry and his family, they were comforted to know his care was in the hands of several community doctors he knows and trusts.
“When I was diagnosed, the entire medical team at HCA Florida North Florida Hospital went right to work. Everything moved so quickly and with great urgency. Being part of the Gainesville community for so many years, my family and I were also re-assured to know that the doctors we knew from events around town and who we knew from our local gym — like my radiation oncologist Dr. Cherylle Hayes — would be taking care of me.”
Dr. Cherylle Hayes with North Florida Radiation Oncology immediately initiated neoadjuvant chemoradiation to help shrink Larry’s esophageal cancer before surgical intervention. Larry was then referred to surgical oncologist Dr. Francisco Macedo of HCA Florida Gainesville Surgical Group, who performed a minimally invasive robotic trans-hiatal esophagectomy to remove Larry’s cancer. This procedure is only offered at a few elite centers in the United States due to its complexity. However, the robotic approach allows for less postoperative pain, a speedier recovery and overall improved patient experience.
One year after treatment, Larry is now entering the stage of cancer survivorship. He recently joined his two doctors — Dr. Hayes and Dr. Macedo — in releasing butterflies at HCA Florida North Florida Hospital’s annual butterfly release for National Cancer Survivors Month in June 2025, to honor his cancer journey and to help spread awareness about cancer survivorship and screening.
“The more awareness we can bring for screenings for certain types of cancers, such as colon and breast cancer, and to encourage people to seek medical care when they feel like something just isn’t right, the earlier we can detect cancer and improve their chances of survival,” said Larry. “Don’t wait until it’s too late! There is life after cancer, and being vigilant about your health will help you live a long, healthy life.”
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