Moffitt Cancer Center To Honor Air Force F-16 Fighter Pilot Testicular Cancer Survivor

November 09, 2023

Capt. Charles “ATLAS” Boynton is currently serving in the U.S. Air Force. As an F-16 fighter pilot at the top of his training class, he was looking forward to a long career of military service. At the age of 25, Boynton started to feel constantly exhausted, struggling to balance his coursework and physical training. When he started to have testicular pain, he saw the doctor on the base. An ultrasound showed two masses, one in each testicle.

While testicular cancer usually has a good prognosis and survival rate, Boynton’s case was rare. He was referred to Dr. Wade Sexton at Moffitt Cancer Center. Sexton, also an Air Force veteran, had a clear understanding of Boynton’s mission to get back into a jet.

Boynton placed his full faith in Sexton and right before his 26th birthday, underwent surgery to remove both of his testicles. A month later, he went back for a major abdominal surgery to remove dozens of lymph nodes to ensure the cancer didn’t metastasize.

After a challenging recovery, Boynton set his sights on his next hurdle: getting permission to fly again. He began a medical waiver process that would take two years. In May 2021, Boynton got his wings and after completing qualification training in 2023, received his call sign, ATLAS. Just like the Greek god, Boynton had to carry the weight on his shoulders to beat cancer and fight his way back into a jet. He is now a mission-qualified wingman stationed at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina.

During Moffitt’s seventh annual Veterans Day celebration, Sexton will present Boynton with a plaque recognizing him for his service to our country.

The Veterans Day tribute also includes team member Dillon Smith performing the national anthem, with the USF Air Force ROTC Color Guard raising the flag. Martin Kramer will be the master of ceremonies for the event.

The Veterans Day tribute will also include a special musical performance by team member singer Corinne Leach.

Media Opportunity

WHAT: Moffitt honors all U.S. military veterans, including Air Force Captain testicular cancer survivor during Veterans Day ceremony.

WHEN: 8:30 – 9 a.m. Friday, Nov. 10

WHERE: Stabile Research Building Auditorium at Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 USF Magnolia Drive

Watch video from the 2022 ceremony.

About Moffitt Cancer Center
Moffitt is dedicated to one lifesaving mission: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer. The Tampa-based facility is one of only 56 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, a distinction that recognizes Moffitt’s scientific excellence, multidisciplinary research, and robust training and education. Moffitt’s expert nursing staff is recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center with Magnet^® status, its highest distinction. With more than 9,000 team members, Moffitt has an economic impact in the state of $2.4 billion. For more information, call 1-888-MOFFITT (1-888-663-3488), visit MOFFITT.org, and follow the momentum on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. 