Page 3 - Martin Downs Bulletin - October '24

Martin Downs, Page 3

Cleveland CliniC Martin HealtH news

Advanced Cancer Care Is In multicenter clinical trials for cancer research. Yao serves as
a representative for the community to the ECOG, providing
Your Community feedback on clinical trials and their value to patients in
the area. He is focused on making clinical trials more
The Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center at accessible for patients on the Treasure Coast.
Cleveland Clinic Martin Health provides the most advanced Among the most advanced services offered at Martin
cancer care available. Health, molecular testing is a routine part of treatment
Programs and services at the center have grown in for many patients. Molecular testing is used for many
the past few years with the expansion of staff to include reasons, including determining the type and characteristics
additional medical and radiation oncologists, nurse of cancer.
practitioners, social workers, genetic counselors and “Molecular testing is really important because cancer
palliative care providers. treatment is now really individualized,” Yao says. “We are
Patients who receive care at Martin Health benefit treating patients based on the mutation of the cancer cells. Adam Kotkiewicz, D.O. Xin Yao, M.D.
from the expertise of physicians who specialize in specific This type of testing gives us crucial information on how
cancers and regularly collaborate with their colleagues at the cancer will behave and whether patients will respond to Weston and main campuses is the key to the best outcomes
Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital and Cleveland Clinic’s certain treatments.” for their patients.
main campus in Ohio. This collaboration allows patients Adam Kotkiewicz, D.O., runs the genitourinary cancer There are a variety of resources available for patients
access to the full range of cancer care options from program at Martin Health. He and his team also use molecular undergoing cancer treatment, including chemotherapy,
healthcare providers who are at the top of their field. testing to determine treatment for cancers that affect the radiation therapy and surgery. All of these services are
The gastrointestinal cancer program, which treats bladder, prostate, kidneys and testicles. available within the Cleveland Clinic organization in Florida,
liver, bile duct, stomach, colon, pancreatic and rectal “Every patient’s care is and should be personalized to their allowing for seamless care for patients.
cancers, is led by medical oncologist Xin Yao, M.D. Dr. specific cancer,” Kotkiewicz says. For more information or to schedule an appointment,
Yao is a member of the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Kotkiewicz says his team’s ability to communicate and please call (772) 288-5858.
Group (ECOG), a national organization that performs collaborate with a variety of experts at Cleveland Clinic’s

Referendum from page 1 “This referendum puts the future of Martin County in Shall Martin County
our own hands,” said Merritt Matheson, former mayor protect its water quality and
Safeguards Built Into The Referendum of the City of Stuart, environmental advocate and strong unique character by acquiring
Martin County Forever advocates worked with county supporter of the referendum. “We urge all Martin County critical natural lands in
staff to structure the referendum with built-in safeguards to voters to educate themselves on the referendum, get Martin County within the
ensure the funds raised are only spent the way voters intended. involved and help spread the word. The clock is ticking. If Indian River Lagoon South,
The land purchases will be overseen by a citizens advisory we don’t buy the land now, it can be developed and gone Pal-Mar, Loxahatchee and St.
committee, with activities conducted with public transparency forever. Lucie Headwaters, Blueways
and annual audits required. Only lands within four key areas Many Ways To Be Part Of The Campaign areas and provide municipal
are identified for purchase. Those areas are Blueways, 400 Volunteers are needed to spread the word and campaign infrastructure allowed by law, by levying a one-half
acres of “in town” parcels, adjacent to local waterways; Indian organizers have some fun ways to get the message out percent (0.5%) county sales tax for 10 years starting
River Lagoon South, 27,000 acres of critical importance to the to voters. A song, Let’s Buy the Land, was produced to January 1, 2025 with Annual Audit and Citizen Oversight?
health of the lagoon; Loxahatchee and St. Lucie Headwaters, make the campaign more memorable. The folksy tune Jim Snedeker and Merritt Matheson are available for
9,800 acres essential to the health of both rivers; and Pal-Mar, and heartfelt lyrics are a fun way to get across a serious interviews.
8,500 acres of high-quality wetlands in Martin County. message, according to Martin County Forever organizers.
Key Facts About The Half Cent Sales Tax The song is easy to learn and available on Spotify, Apple
• In 10 years, it would generate about $183 million. Music, iTunes, and other streaming services. A full cut Dancing With The Martin Stars from page 1
• More than a third of the total (37.5 percent) would be video featuring the song as well as shorter versions are
paid by people who don’t live in Martin County. also available to watch and share through Martin County For months the dancers have been learning their steps
• The dollars raised locally could leverage matching Forever’s YouTube channel. and choosing fabulous costumes. That’s only part of the
funds from federal, state and other land conservation For more information, visit www.martincountyforever. challenge, however. They have also been raising funds
sources. com. Follow Martin County Forever on Facebook, with a variety of mini events like dinners, wine tastings,
• The current sales tax rate would increase from 6.5 to Instagram and YouTube. and auctions to boost their fundraising totals.
7 percent. Additional Referendum Information The goal for this year’s event is $280,000. “The
• Importantly, just like our current sales tax, the half- Here’s how the official referendum wording will appear dancers have just blown us away with their passion and
cent increase would not apply to groceries, prescription on the ballot: enthusiasm,” Suffich said. “We truly believe that they’re
medications or school supplies or to the portion of any Lands To Protect Water Quality, Natural Areas And going to reach the goal and exceed it.”
purchase over $5,000. Wildlife Habitat For more information, visit https://www.mchealthystart.
org/dancing-with-the-martin-stars/2024-stars-dancers/.
For more information about Martin County Healthy
Start Coalition and its ongoing programs, visit www.
mchealthystart.org, call (772) 463-2888 or follow the
organization on Facebook.

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