From Patient to Proton Ambassador: Meet Walter “Wally” Davis

At just 9 years old, brain cancer survivor Walter Davis, known to many as “Wally,” is stepping into a new role as a Proton Ambassador at Covenant Health Proton Center. As the youngest ambassador in the program’s history, Wally hopes to use his experience to encourage other children and families facing cancer. 

A Life-Changing Diagnosis 

Wally was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a rare form of brain cancer, when he was just seven years old. Following brain surgery, he began treatment that included proton therapy and chemotherapy. Over six weeks, he completed approximately 31 proton therapy treatments at Covenant Health Proton Center and later underwent six months of inpatient high-dose chemotherapy. Along the way, he also required several transfusions and additional hospital admissions. 

Throughout treatment, Wally leaned on his faith, family and the support of those around him. 

“His strong faith and family support helped him a lot,” said his mother Smita Davis. “His sister Emmy, was with him through most of treatment since it was summer break. Both of them share an unbreakable bond and her company kept him buoyant!” 

Wally also formed meaningful friendships with members of his care team and others he met during treatment. 

His mother, Smita Davis also mentioned, “Walter made a connection with all of his nurses (both from the proton center and Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital). Also, a retired air force pilot Woody and his wife made friends with him. They chatted every day after treatment and Walter waited eagerly for those shared moments prior to setting off chemotherapy at the children’s hospital.”

Looking Ahead 

Today, Wally is in remission and focused on recovery. He enjoys swimming, martial arts and playing chess. He is homeschooled with his sister, participates in a weekly co-op, attends church and continues therapy as part of his recovery. 

Wally has also begun giving back to causes that are meaningful to him, helping raise funds for organizations that support pediatric cancer research. As he continues to regain his strength, he remains focused on his faith, family and the future. 

Becoming the Youngest Proton Ambassador 

When asked why he wanted to become an ambassador, Wally shared that he “wants to inspire people to be brave and to have faith in God to carry them through and not only rely on their own strength.” 

Helping other children facing cancer is especially important to him because “Walter doesn’t want other kids to suffer but to have trust that God will be with them through everything”, said Smita Davis.  

As a Proton Ambassador, Wally hopes to make new friends, pray for them, listen to them and talk with them. He also wants to share his own experiences and recovery journey with others. 

When asked what he would say to a child having a difficult day during treatment, Wally’s answer reflected the perspective he gained through his own journey: 

“I would give them a hug, tell them not to give up and trust that God will help them through the day. I would want to share my experiences and current recovery.” 

Proton Therapy at Covenant Health  

Today, Wally is using his experience to encourage other children and families facing cancer. As the youngest Proton Ambassador in the program’s history, he hopes to offer the same support, understanding and encouragement that helped him throughout his own journey. 

His story reflects the impact compassionate, specialized cancer care can have on patients and families. Through services like proton therapy, Covenant Health Proton Center helps patients receive advanced treatment close to home while supporting them throughout every stage of care. 

Learn more about proton therapy and the services available through the Covenant Health Proton Center.