Page 18 - Talk of Tequesta - July '24

The Pet Cottage Post
Page 18, The Talk Of Tequesta

Tampa general news

TGH Cancer Institute’s Novel Treatment

Prolongs Brain Cancer Patient’s Life

Constantinos “Gus” Kontodaskalakis and his wife, and he is accessible whenever we need him. He takes our calls survive. The NBTS
Gorgonia, are proud of their Greek heritage. They strongly after hours and we’re able to text him with any questions or states that around
believe their extended Greek family’s constant love and concerns 24/7.” 12,000 glioblastoma
support is half the reason that Gus has survived the deadly Gus’ cancer journey began following a family road trip cases are diagnosed
brain cancer he was diagnosed with in 2021. to Canada in 2021. After arriving back home in Florida, each year in the
The other half they credit to the doctor-patient relationship he experienced a painful pressure in his head that quickly United States. Dr.
they have with Dr. Sajeel Chowdhary, a neuro-oncologist became a seizure. “My entire left side felt like it was pulsing,” Chowdhary noted
with Tampa General Hospital (TGH) Cancer Institute. A he remembered. “I was scared I was going to lose my heart!” that it is the same
nationally recognized clinical investigator, Dr. Chowdhary Rushed to a local emergency room, Gus was diagnosed cancer that claimed
was recently appointed the medical director of neuro- with a glioblastoma — a common, complex, and often the lives of President
oncology at the institute. treatment-resistant and deadly type of brain cancer. Ninety Joe Biden’s son,
“I truly believe if it wasn’t for Dr. Chowdhary, I wouldn’t percent of his tumor was removed through surgery in Miami. Beau, and Senator
be here today,” said Gus, a retired Pratt & Whitney engineer Gus began seeing Dr. Chowdhary for chemo and Edward Kennedy.
living in North Palm Beach. “His treatment is exceptional, radiation treatment at another hospital in Palm Beach Since glioblastoma Georgia and Gus Kontodaskalakis
County. Impressed with Dr. Chowdhary’s compassionate recurrence is
and comprehensive care, Gus followed the neuro-oncologist common, Dr. Chowdhary said that as an academic health
It’s the Law! when he moved to the TGH Cancer Institute in 2023. system that normally handles complex patient care, TGH
has access to other cutting-edge treatments that can benefit
Telemedicine appointments enabled Dr. Chowdhary
to continue to monitor Gus’ progress from his Tampa Gus if his cancer returns.
office. Meanwhile, Dr. Chowdhary collaborated with Palm As an expert in the field of neuro-oncology, with an
impressive academic track record, Dr. Chowdhary has played
Beach County medical oncologist Dr. Sujal Shah, at TGH
Did You Know Cancer Institute Cancer Center of South Florida (CCSF), to a vital role in guiding more than 30 clinical trials focused on
glioblastoma and other brain cancers.
implement a long-range treatment approach using the drug
That, In Florida… Avastin. This strategy has helped Gus survive his brain cancer With his cancer in remission, Gus is grateful for the care
for nearly three years.
he’s received. Although his treatment can be taxing, he is
“Normally, Avastin therapy is discontinued after a year,”
making the most of each day. He likes to stay active, taking
said Dr. Chowdhary. “Because TGH fosters an atmosphere regular walks and tending to his flower garden.
By Adam S. Gumson, Esq. of collaboration and innovation, we’ve been able to keep Gus “We take every day as a blessing,” said Gorgonia. “I tell
on the drug long term. It’s helped prolong his life.” my husband that I’m glad he’s here.”
Child support for an According to the National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS), Since 2020, TGH has been creating a framework of state-
adopted minor involves the average length of survival for glioblastoma patients is of-the-art services for patients in Palm Beach and Martin
financial assistance eight months. “Less than 10 percent of glioblastoma patients counties, with the expertise and innovation of a preeminent
provided by one or survive as long as Gus has,” noted Dr. Chowdhary. academic health system. For more information, visit TGH.
both adoptive parents Avastin starves a tumor of the blood it needs to org/ThePalmBeaches.
to ensure the well-being
and development of the
child. As with biological
children, adopted minors
are entitled to financial
support for their basic
n e e ds, e d uc a t i on ,
healthcare, and overall welfare. Child support
arrangements vary based on jurisdiction and individual
circumstances, but the underlying goal remains to
prioritize the best interests of the minor child, whether
biological or adopted.
A pet trust is a legal mechanism to safeguard
the interests of one’s beloved animals and provides
peace of mind to the pet owner by ensuring that his/
her animals receive proper care and attention after he/
she dies. The trust typically remains in effect for the
duration of the pet’s life and any assets that remain
after the pet’s death are distributed according to the
trust’s instructions.
Guardianship advocacy plays a crucial role in
protecting the rights and interests of individuals
deemed unable to make sound decisions for themselves
due to incapacity. Advocates work within the
framework of Florida’s guardianship laws to ensure
the proper appointment of guardians and promote the
well-being of vulnerable individuals. Guardianship
advocacy aims to provide a compassionate and
supportive environment for individuals requiring
assistance in managing their affairs.
Real estate is conveyed by a deed signed by two
witnesses and a notary public and is recorded in the
county where the property is located. The deed often
contains language to confirm how the buyers desire to
take title, such as with rights of survivorship or perhaps
to own a specific percentage with another owner. Any
buyer should make sure that he/she speaks to the title
agent before the closing to confirm how he/she wishes
to take title.
Jupiter Law Center is a private neighborhood law
firm located in the RiverPlace Professional Center, 1003
W. Indiantown Road, Suite 210, Jupiter, Fla., (561) 744
- 4600, jupiterlawcenter.com. The firm provides peace of
mind by solving problems with integrity and compassion
in the areas of estate and business planning, probate,
guardianship and trust administration, probate and
guardianship for personal injury firms, family law and
real estate.