Sep. 24, 2026
Covenant Health welcomed Walter Davis as its youngest ambassador for the Covenant Health Proton Center Ambassador Program, which connects former proton therapy patients who have completed treatment with current patients to provide support, encouragement and guidance.
Walter, a 9-year-old brain cancer survivor, was recognized as the youngest ambassador to join the program at the Ambassador Luncheon held Sept. 24 at Covenant Health Proton Center.
At just 8 years old, Walter, lovingly known as “Wally,” underwent both proton therapy and chemotherapy for brain cancer. Now 9 years old, Wally is in remission and focused on rebuilding his strength and uplifting others who are navigating a similar journey.
“Thank you to everyone who came to see me ring the bell and I want to thank God for helping me through this journey,” Walter said after ringing a bell to celebrate completion of his cancer treatment.
September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The American Association for Cancer Research indicates that pediatric cancers remain relatively rare but are still the leading cause of death from disease among children in the United States. The organization reports that approximately 1,600 children and adolescents die of cancer in the U.S. each year.
“As treatment providers, we never want to see a child or their family have to face a cancer diagnosis, but we know that having an ambassador like Wally will make the journey easier for someone else, whether it’s a child undergoing treatment or someone older,” said Dr. David Penberthy, radiation oncologist and executive medical director of oncology at Covenant Health.
Even at his young age, Wally understands the power of support from someone who has shared a similar experience. He formed a close bond with patient Edward Woodson, known as “Woody,” despite their age difference. While Woody underwent treatment for prostate cancer, the two encouraged each other before appointments. An Air Force veteran, Woody gave Wally a Challenge Coin, a chief master sergeant rank and a ride in his “Transformer” car, which is really a Corvette.
The pair supported one another throughout treatment and attended each other’s bell ringing ceremonies.
“We are thrilled to welcome Wally as our youngest ambassador and know he will inspire and encourage others, just as he has inspired us,” Dr. Penberthy said.
The Covenant Health Proton Center Ambassador program comprises a community of survivors who offer encouragement and share their stories to support others on a similar path. The goal is to support patients with empathy and hope and to make it clear they are not alone.
The Covenant Health Proton Center is the region’s only proton therapy treatment center, offering patients advanced cancer treatment through radiation therapy that can precisely target tumors while significantly sparing healthy tissue and decreasing the risk of side effects.
Learn more about Covenant Health Proton Center online at covenanthealth.com/our-services/cancer-care/covenant-health-proton-center.
About Covenant Health
Covenant Health is a Tennessee-based healthcare enterprise committed to providing the right care at the right time and place. As a not-for-profit health system, we are dedicated to being the region’s premier healthcare network through service, community and innovation. We provide patient-centered care that inspires clinical and service excellence and strive to be the first and best choice for our patients, employees, physicians, employers, volunteers and communities. Covenant Health is the area’s largest employer and has more than 14,000 compassionate caregivers, expert clinicians and dedicated employees and volunteers. Learn more at CovenantHealth.com.
