$620,000 in donations to the Aicardi Syndrome Foundation since 2005.
The annual event is a passion project for Jupiter Law Center’s principal attorney, Adam Gumson, and his wife Lissa, whose oldest daughter, Ava, was diagnosed as an infant with Aicardi Syndrome, a rare congenital neurological seizure disorder which inhibits the normal development of motor skills, sight and speech, causing mild to profound developmental delays. When she was diagnosed, the Gumsons were informed that Ava’s life expectancy was no more than two years.
Now 20, Ava continues to defy the odds. She attends The Learning Academy on the campus of the Els Center of Excellence and although she is non-verbal, severely delayed and has multiple daily seizures, she is a happy, joyful girl whose smile and laugh lights up a room. What started as a small party with friends and family hosted at the Gumsons’ home in the early years has blossomed into a major annual event held for the last five years at Tequesta Country Club. The monies raised since 2006 help the foundation fund research grants at both Baylor University and the University
of California at San Francisco and underwrite the cost for Aicardi families to attend the every-other-year family conference where people from all over the world gather to exchange information. This, in turn, enhances each family’s ability to care for its own Aicardi child. Since only 4,000 girls worldwide are afflicted with Aicardi Syndrome, there is very little money for research and the foundation is made up entirely of volunteers (mostly the affected families and their extended family and friends).
From the sequenced head caps of ABBA to the wild hair and famous black and white face makeup of KISS to John Lennon, Sonny and Cher, Tina Turner, Willie Nelson, Madonna and Elvis, partygoers reached into the archives for inspiration.
The muse for this annual affair – Lissa and Adam’s daughter Ava – came as a Pink Lady from Grease (as did many others in attendance), bobbing her head and cheering on those who
state of mind. In dating and relationships, a healthy mindset means knowing that opportunities are endless, and the best is yet to come.
Do December. Do LOVE. And just like that, we find ourselves in the magical month of December. So, did you love more in 2024? If you fell short of your personal goals this year, here are Four Secret Santa Tips destined to increase the odds of wrapping up December with a big red bow. Now is the time to bask in all of your hard work invested in family, friends, and business in 2024. This is the perfect time to show some extra love to yourself. If your circle is authentic, they will adore this ramping up in you--and therein lies a gift to the people you love. Ready to rock December with us? Simply cut this article out and read it often all month long and do share this with your single family and friends too. Thank us later.
1. Splurge on YOU.
Giving yourself gifts of love and attention will automatically trigger your brain to say “I am worth it!” Parents, grandparents, and over-nurturers can get stuck in a path of thinking solely about others. As matchmakers, we urge you to put yourself first. This is a gift of acknowledging how hard you have worked this year. Spoil yourself with a gift that keeps on giving --I.E. better connections and better relationships. Your loved ones will appreciate the newfound smile on your face. NOW, that’s a GIFT.
At Revolution Dating, we see this principle come to life every day with clients of all ages. Clients who are confident, successful, and self-aware tend to attract partners who reflect those same qualities. This December, prioritize YOU. We have clients enroll on December 30th--and guess what--they are guaranteed to have a secret glow on New Year’s Eve 2025--even if they don’t have their dating portfolio ready yet. Hope is an inevitable aphrodisiac and it is contagious.
2. Let Romantic LOVE be Your North Star. Love comes in many forms—look for it everywhere-because it is all around you. Enjoy all forms of love from platonic to romantic to familial to self-love. The holiday season is an ideal time to reconnect with those who matter most to you. Notice love. Notice your need for love.
For singles, this is an excellent time to meet someone new. There is a certain openness this time of year--only found in December--and especially at Revolution Dating which happens to be the Corporate Headquarters of Love, est. 2014.
3. End with the Lesson of JOY
Have you taken yourself or others too seriously this past year? December highlights celebration, compassion, and laughter--and that is all.
If you’re single, loosen up and elevate your mindset. A shared laugh can turn a good experience into a great one. Create memories that linger long after the holidays.
Joy is the best feeling on Earth. It makes it all worthwhile. Could you use more joy in your life? Follow us for more...joy.
4. It is NEVER too late!
Start at 40. Start at 70. Start in December. Start at 5:00pm. Just start. Abundance isn’t just about material wealth; it’s a
Shift your focus this December from what’s missing to what you have and you will have even more because you are grateful. Celebrate the little victories: a great conversation, a kind gesture, or even the courage to put yourself out there. When you view the world through the lens of gratitude and possibility, you naturally attract more of the same.
At Revolution Dating, we see time and again how an abundant mindset transforms our clients’ love lives. Those who believe in their worth and trust the journey tend to experience greater success—not because they’re lucky, but because they’re open to receiving the love and joy they deserve. They are open to our guidance and faith in them. We only want the best for our clients--and usually they only want the best for themselves. Add a dash of realism to that recipe and you are on your way to a delicious December.
At Revolution Dating, we believe the final chapter of the year should be the best part of the year and it will help you to create an even better 2025. The predictions are in: We are all about to walk into one of the best years of our lives. So, let’s set ourselves up for some extra love in our personal lives. Whether you’re single, dating, or married, this month is a marker for good moves and action.
So, as you deck the halls and countdown to midnight, remember: your December can be filled with excellence, laughter, and abundance. And who knows? It might just be the month that changes everything. Fall into Romance this holiday season with the help from The Pros!
Thank you so much for following us for so many years. We appreciate your loyalty and love. Wishing you and yours a very Happy Holiday Season 2024! Stay tuned for more love.
boogied on the dance floor. The tip jars on the pianos were lined with generous donations as guests requested their favorite songs, with 100 percent of the band’s tips donated back to the cause. Photo ops in front of a blanket of draped gold tassels adorned with famous album covers and disco balls set the mood and the food, drinks and service from Tequesta Country Club staff made it a rocking (and rolling!) good time.
“Because the condition is so rare and affects such a small population, research is just so limited, and the only way for us as families to encourage institutions to delve deeper into the causes of Aicardi Syndrome is to fund research grants,” Adam Gumson stated. “And the family conferences are so essential to creating and developing a community of families who are all going through the same things, like what medicines and diets work best to combat seizures, what medical procedures and therapies have helped, what equipment and other technology have improved the quality of life” chimed in Lissa Gumson. Adam Gumson continued, “One family conference costs aover $100,000 when calculating all of the food, rooms and audio visual equipment necessary to put on a successful conference, so our party, and other families’ fundraising efforts, are absolutely essential to support the continuation of the great work that the foundation does.” The Gumsons have become more and more active in the foundation over the years, with Adam lecturing at the conferences on various topics such as estate planning, guardianship and fundraising, and assuming the presidency of the foundation this past June.
Lissa handles a variety of tasks, too, and the Gumsons’ other two children, Lilly and Zane, attend the conferences and assist with child care and speak on the sibling panel, answering questions from new families about what it is like to have a sister with Aicardi Syndrome. “Their participation has helped them feel like they are not alone since they get to see and meet other families, and especially other siblings, dealing with similar issues, and both of them have become so much more grounded and empathetic by just being present at the conferences and being exposed to the highs and lows of living with an Aicardi child. No one wanted to be a part of this club but, if there is a silver lining, it is that it has introduced us to such incredible people from all over the world and taught us and our children that there is a higher calling to help others than just being concerned with ourselves. It has been incredibly rewarding for our whole family to be so involved,” Lissa commented.
To learn more about Aicardi Syndrome, the Aicardi Syndrome Foundation or Ava Shaye Gumson and/or the other Aicardi girls, log on to www.aicardisyndromefoundation.org and/or www. ouraicardilife.org or contact Jupiter Law Center at (561) 744-4600 if you have any other questions about Aicardi Syndrome or about how you can help support the foundation.
Special Holiday Edition by: Kelly Leary, M.S. & Miranda Capparelli, The Real Matchmakers
TequesTa spoTLigHT from page 1
all to support Little Smiles’ mission of helping kids be kids during difficult times.
The evening blended circus magic with Hollywood glamour, beginning with the grand entrance of the Stars, announced by Virginia Sinicki, Kevin Rolston, and Jason Pennington of the KVJ Show 97.9 WRMF. Dressed to impress, the Stars were escorted down the red carpet, basking in the spotlight and signing autographs as fans cheered them on. Accompanied by music from Digital Vibez, they made their way to center stage, where the KVJ Show 97.9 WRMF hosts celebrated each Star with enthusiasm.
The ballroom perfectly captured the Under the Big Top theme with a flowing fabric canopy draped from the ceiling creating the illusion of an authentic circus tent. Tables were adorned with imaginative circus-inspired centerpieces, featuring playful elements like elephants, circus wagons with lions, and carousels, complemented by vibrant red and white floral arrangements.
The night was filled with entertainment, including aerialists, a stilt walker, a juggler, and a mime. Guests indulged in classic circus treats like popcorn and ice cream, and the kids enjoyed a candy cart. The silent auction featured over 130 items, adding to the excitement and charitable spirit of the event.
Brittany Perdigon, executive director of Little Smiles Florida, reflected on the event: “The Stars Ball is about celebrating these brave children and showing them the love and support they deserve. It’s a reminder that, no matter the challenges, they are not alone, and their community is here for them.”
Another highlight was the presentation of awards that were given to Little Smiles founder Chip Donohue and to nurse Judy Martyak who received the Amy A. Reilly Humanitarian Award. Their dedication and compassion have made a lasting impact on the organization and the children it serves.
The evening would not be possible without the leadership of cochairs Samantha Shepherd and Virginia Sinicki and the generous support of sponsors including Ameriprise Financial The Nickler Group, Bronx House Pizza, Cataldo & Son
Plastering, Inc., Debt Helper, David S. Feldman, M.D., Ernst Young, FPL Home, Frank and Herta Suess, Garage Living, Gioia Family, Good Greek Moving & Storage, Ideal Nutrition, Jackie and Bert Klawonn at BWG Realty, Joseph Lubeck, The Donohue Group at J.P. Morgan Wealth Management, The Leandro P. Rizzuto Foundation, Ocean Properties, Platinum Title Insurers, Reilly Foam Corporation, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, St. Mary’s Medical Center and Palm Beach Children’s Hospital, Vertical Bridge, and Waferworld.
Little Smiles Florida has been making a difference in the lives of children throughout South Florida for 25 years. In 2023 alone, the organization brought smiles to over 55,000 local children, working closely with 34 pediatric facilities, including hospitals, shelters, medical daycare centers, foster homes, and local law enforcement.
For more information about Little Smiles Florida and their ongoing efforts, visit littlesmilesfl.org.
Armando and Hedy Fana
Brittany and Hector Perdigon
Chip and Sally Lubeck
Daniele and John Majer
Luke and Amanda Lostroscio
Tim and Susan Damon
Judy Martyak who receives the Amy A. Reilly Humanitarian Award
Rick and Elizabeth Wilson, Justin and Samantha Shepherd, Robert and Christina Bowman
Brittany Perdigon, Samantha Shepherd
Steve Grandizio, Etta Oller, JPD Officer Sam Razzano
Abilena Cruz
Caedyn Fairbanks with KVJ
Majesty Williams, PBSO Kenneth Torrence, Board Member Patrick Nickler
On fourteen acres of the most pristine stretch of Intracoastal waterfront, e Ritz-Carlton Residences, Palm Beach Gardens blossom with a once-in-a-lifetime collection of expansive estates, born to frame the breathtaking views of the waterway with a private marina and blooming grounds. e singular maritime lifestyle is augmented by over 20,000 square feet of masterfully-crafted resort amenities— imbued with legendary hospitality by e Ritz-Carlton.
The event featured an exhilarating evening of fashion and philanthropy. The audience cheered as models hit the catwalk sporting colorful patterned pants. Guests enjoyed an open bar, tasty bites, a silent auction, a live D.J., and a lively fashion show that truly embodied the spirit of fun!
Event cochairs Julie and Aaron Menitoff defended their title and took home their third consecutive Wild Pants Championship Belt. Wild Pants sponsors, including the Gehring Group, Morgan & Morgan, FPL, Boarderie Cheese & Charcuterie, Angelwish Fund, and Legends Radio, assisted The Arc in reaching its fundraising goal.
Photos courtesy of Tracey Benson Photography
Jennifer Devalerio, Lauren
Gudrun Sawerthal, Mary McCord
Tom
Production Manager Lee Nostrant
Ilene Emanuel, Adam Emanuel, Zoe Kron, Richard Tunich
Aquannette Thomas, Pam Myers, Rhonda Rogers Bob Pearson, Leanne Hoey, Jim Finck, Susan Faby
Andrew Goodyear, Heidi Breen
Toni May, Maria Marino Danielle Ford
Melissa Schumacher, John Critschett, Padget Kirkland
Sher
Monty Foster, Sally Sevareid
Susan Faby, Anne Messer, Teressa Holbrook
Tamra FitzGerald, Cathy Law, Michelle Noga
Paul Menitoff, Aaron Menitoff, Rita Menitoff, Julie Larson, Nancy Larson
Palm Beach North Chamber Of Commerce Honors
Anné Desormier-Cartwright As 2024 Woman of the Year
The Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Anné Desormier-Cartwright, Esq., president and founder of Elder & Estate Planning Attorneys PA, has been named the 2024 Woman of the Year. This prestigious recognition celebrates her exceptional leadership, dedication, and longstanding commitment to making a positive impact within the Palm Beach North community.
Desormier-Cartwright has been a driving force in the region, providing essential legal services throughout Florida, particularly to underserved populations such as seniors, individuals with disabilities, and veterans. Her work includes the creation of the “VOTE – Honor a Veteran Campaign,” which helps seniors in assisted living facilities access mail-in ballots and promotes civic engagement.
As an honorary cochair of the Habitat for Humanity Veterans Build and an active member of organizations such as the Women in Business Council,
National Association of Women in Construction, and the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund, Desormier-Cartwright’s dedication has left an indelible mark on the community.
“Anné’s commitment to leadership and service exemplifies the values we honor with this award,” said Alex Martinez, chair of the Women In Business Council. “Her contributions have enriched our community in countless ways.”
Desormier-Cartwright was formally recognized at the Woman of the Year Luncheon held on October 30, where chamber
members and community leaders gathered to celebrate her achievements.
For more information about Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce, visit www.pbnchamber.com.
Ashley Vertuno, Timothy Burke, Traci Rollins
Noel Martinez, Anné Desormier-Cartwright, Julia Dattolo
Hannah’s Home of South Florida took a major step forward in its expansion plans to serve more at-risk pregnant women and their babies. Undergrounding of utilities on County Line Road began this week for the entire expanded complex.
The home is growing its campus in Tequesta from its current size that serves eight residents to 21 resident mothers and their babies. The campus includes an existing eight-room dormitory, childcare center, and a chapel, and is growing to include a new eight-room dormitory and four duplexes.
“I’m thrilled to see substantial progress on the expansion,” said Karen Hilo, chief executive officer of Hannah’s Home. “The need in our community for transformative care is only growing, and the added housing enables us to extend our program to more women in need of safety, security, support, and resources.”
aLL abouT Kids
My Child Is Slow To Get Going
By Jim Forgan, Ph.D., Licensed School Psychologist
Eve’s nickname is “Eeyore” one parent told me. She was feeling frustration when dealing with her child completing tasks slower than everyone else. Whether it was doing homework, completing simple household chores, or getting out the door in the morning, Eve was slow or the last one to go. It required constant reminders and mom felt like she was always nagging. She hypothesized her daughter was perhaps lazy, unmotivated, or did not understand what to do. But what really perplexed this mom was that Eve was slow regardless of if the activity was something fun or routine. It could be getting ready for a fun day at the waterpark and she was still slow.
There are many reasons why a child is completing tasks at a much slower pace than their peers. One reason is your child could have slower processing speed so even simple tasks will take them longer to complete. This can leave your child feeling overwhelmed, mentally fatigued, and discouraged. Second, your child could have a weak working memory and struggle to keep track of the tasks they are assigned and often forget what to do next. This can especially be noticed if you give your child multiple tasks at once. Third, your child may have weaker inhibition which means that they have a hard time resisting distractors. Your child could be cleaning their room and find something they misplaced and become distracted playing with this and not cleaning up. Fourth, your child might have ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Presentation or what we used to call ADD.
Seek answers and understanding so you can do something different instead of becoming frustrated with your child and straining your relationship. A school neuropsychological evaluation will help you get to the root cause of why your child is completing tasks so slowly. Our evaluations assess all of these potential causes and provide specific and helpful recommendations to improve your child’s functioning in the home and school settings. Call us at (561) 625-4125 to discuss your child or learn more at www.JimForgan.com.
Leading the expansion is a committee chaired by former Tequesta mayor Abby Brennan. Progress on the current phase of construction is owed largely to lead financial supporter Nick Mastroianni II, founder of the Mastroianni Family Foundation and a long-time Hannah’s Home supporter. Hedrick Brothers Construction has also played a critical role, serving as the organization’s general contractor.
As construction work progresses, residents grow eager to see their future homes become a reality.
“The road to rebuild your life can be a longer journey than you might expect,” said Caylee Hall, current Hannah’s Home resident. “I’m just starting college and pursuing a career. The cottages will offer so much to help smooth the transition to independence.”
Hannah’s Home is a two-year residential and educational program that serves pregnant women ages 18 to 30 who have been struggling with food insecurity, a lack of
transportation, homelessness, unhealthy relationships, and educational disruption. The organization takes hundreds of calls annually from women of all ages in search of housing, wraparound services, and a hopeful future. More information is available at www.hannahshomesf.org.
Mayor Abby Brennan
Founder Carol Beresford
County line utility work
Board President Jon Olson, Nick Mastroianni II, Founder Carol Beresford, Mayor Abby Brennan, Michael Hale, CEO Karen Hilo, Pastor Paul Beresford
Board President Jon Olson, Nick Mastroianni II, CEO Karen Hilo
Michale Hale, Pastor Paul Beresford, CEO Karen Hilo, Mayor Abby Brennan, Founder Carol Beresford, Nick Mastroianni II, Board President Jon Olson
Palm Beach North Chamber Of Commerce
President And CEO Noel Martinez Honored With 2024 Florida Chamber Chair Award
The Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce that Noel Martinez, our president and CEO, has been honored with the prestigious 2024 Florida Chamber Chair Award. Presented by the Florida Chamber of Commerce’s Board Chair Keith Koenig at the annual Florida Chamber meeting, this award celebrates Martinez’s exemplary leadership and dedication in advancing initiatives that are driving positive change across the state.
The Florida Chamber Chair Award recognizes individuals who have gone “above and beyond” to support the Florida Chamber’s mission and deliver meaningful progress toward securing a prosperous future for all Floridians. As chair, Koenig remarked, “These recipients have truly moved the needle on our goals, helping us accomplish big things for Florida.”
Joining Noel Martinez in receiving this distinguished award are:
• Javi Correoso – Head of Policy and Communications, Uber Technologies
• John Couris – President and CEO, Tampa General Hospital
• Heather Kasten – President and CEO, Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce
• Karen Moore – Founder and CEO, The Moore Agency
• Andry Sweet – President and CEO, Children’s Home Society of Florida
• John Trevathan – Vice President of Corporate Services, Guidewell and Chair, Florida Chamber Leadership Cabinet
• Sam Verghese – COO, Florida Virtual School
• Michele Watson – CEO, Florida Association of Children’s Councils and Trusts
• Michael Wynn – President, Sunshine Ace Hardware “Receiving this award from the Florida Chamber is a tremendous honor,” said Martinez. “It reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire team at the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce and our collective vision to establish Palm Beach North as the best place to live, work, and play. I’m deeply grateful to the Florida Chamber for this recognition and look forward to continuing our work to secure Florida’s future.”
The awards highlight a shared commitment among these leaders to foster growth, innovation, and success throughout Florida’s business landscape. Please join us in congratulating Noel Martinez and his fellow recipients for their remarkable achievements and ongoing dedication to the Florida Chamber’s mission.
Their efforts are paving the way for a stronger, more resilient Florida.
About Palm Beach North Chamber Of Commerce
Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce is one of the largest and most active business organizations in Southeast Florida. They were awarded the “Chamber of the Year” for the state of Florida in 2023. Serving businesses in the eleven municipalities that make up Palm Beach North, the chamber fosters a partnership of private, public, educational, and civic organizations working together to ensure Palm Beach North is Florida’s “Prosperity Coast.” The chamber’s four strategic imperatives are: a prosperous economy, high quality of life for all residents, a smart and connected region, and regional leadership. For more information, visit www.pbnchamber.com.
Award-Winning Orthopedic care
Jupiter Medical Center is proud to be recognized by Healthgrades® as one of America’s 100 Best Joint Replacement Programs. This distinction, along with a five-star rating for total knee and total hip replacement and outpatient joint replacement accolades, distinguishes Jupiter Medical Center as one of the nation’s leading hospitals for orthopedic care.
The medical experts at The Anderson Family Orthopedic & Spine Center of Excellence at Jupiter Medical Center are at the forefront of joint replacement and spine care. The team ensures seamless care from diagnosis to rehabilitation by utilizing leading-edge technology to perform innovative procedures in a state-of-the-art center.
You deserve the nation’s best orthopedic care. Visit jupitermed.com/ortho to learn more.
Noel Martinez, Heather Kasten, Karen Moore, Keith Koenig
Volunteer Opportunities Now Open For 2025 ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival
The ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival, presented by Tampa General Hospital, is calling on community members to help make the 2025 event and 40th anniversary of this awardwinning festival extraordinary by signing up for volunteer opportunities. With over 600 volunteers needed to support this prestigious festival, individuals aged 13 and older are encouraged to register online at www.artigras.org.
“Volunteers are the heart of ArtiGras. They play a critical role in ensuring that everyone, from the artists to the visitors, has a fantastic experience,” said Noel Martinez, President
and CEO of the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce, which organizes the annual ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival.
“We’re excited to welcome volunteers to help us enhance the festival experience at Gardens North County District Park for everyone involved.”
Volunteers can choose from two shifts each day and contribute to a variety of festival areas, including the Amazon ArtiKids Zone, chef showcase, artist relations, site operations, volunteer committee, youth art competition, merchandise booth and the Unlimited Auto Wash Club information booth.
As a token of appreciation, all volunteers will receive a complimentary T-shirt, free festival admission on the day of their shift, special parking access, and complimentary food and beverages in the volunteer area. Students can also earn community service hours for their participation. In addition, sponsorship opportunities within the volunteer area are available from underwriting the T-shirts to providing food for the volunteers. To learn more about volunteering or sponsorship opportunities at ArtiGras, visit www.artigras.org or call (561) 746-7111.
Advance festival tickets will be available November 1 for the price of $15 ($20 at the gate). Patrons can also purchase a two-day pass for $25.
The 40th Annual ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival will take place on February 15 and 16, 2025, at the Gardens North County District Park, located on 117th Court North. The festival will feature a juried fine art exhibition, live entertainment, the new culinary arts studio, a dedicated Amazon ArtiKids Zone, and the youth art competition. Ranked as a Top-100 fine arts festival by Sunshine Artist magazine, ArtiGras offers visitors the unique opportunity to meet and engage with over 300 of the nation’s leading artists.
For more information visit pbnchamber.com.
Complex surgery doesn’t always mean a lengthy recovery. Our surgeons perform minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery through incisions as small as one inch. For less pain. For faster recovery. For every care in the world.
Turn to the experts at Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital.
877.463.2010
ClevelandClinicFlorida.org/AdvancedSurgery
There are two types of determination documents you can seek in your Letter of Map Change (LOMC) request.
• Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA): A letter from FEMA stating that an existing structure or parcel of land — that is on naturally high ground and has not been elevated by fill — would not be inundated by the base flood.
• Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-F): A letter from FEMA stating that an existing structure or parcel of land has been elevated by earthen fill and would not be inundated by the base flood.
Residents in unincorporated areas can request flood zone determinations from Palm Beach County, which provides written confirmation of zone designations. Additionally, the county offers consultations for retrofitting existing buildings to improve flood resilience. Municipal residents should defer to their municipal floodplain or town/city manager.
For questions, property owners can call the Palm Beach County Flood Zone Hotline at (561) 233-5374 for personalized assistance with the new maps, flood proofing options, and more.
Volunteers at the information booth during the ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival
EXTRAORDINARY Experience
Florida Atlantic University’s John D. MacArthur Campus in Jupiter is where groundbreaking programs in research and education create unmatched opportunities for researchers, students and our community.
• FAU Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
• FAU Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
• FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute
• FAU Stiles-Nicholson STEM Teacher Academy
• FAU High School in Partnership with Max Planck Academy
• FAU Institute for Human Health and Disease Intervention
• FAU College of Education
• FAU Academy for Community Inclusion
• FAU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities
• Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Jupiter On-Campus Partners
• Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience
• Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology • Zeiss Microscopy Solutions Center
5353 Parkside Drive, Jupiter, FL 33458
561.799.8500 | fau.edu/jupiter
cLeveLand cLinic fLorida news
Commonly Asked Questions About Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide. With the development of advanced treatment options, this cancer has become very treatable. As with most cancers, early detection increases the chances of survivorship. Adria Suarez Mora, M.D., a gynecological oncologist at Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital, answers commonly asked questions about cervical cancer.
Q: What are the most common symptoms of cervical cancer?
A: The most common symptoms include vaginal discharge that may be heavy and can have a foul odor; vaginal bleeding after intercourse or between menses; and heavy menstrual periods that last longer than normal. Precancerous changes of the cervix don’t have symptoms, which is why it’s important to have routine gynecological exams and Pap tests.
Q: How is cervical cancer treated?
A: At Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital, we employ a multidisciplinary approach to develop an individualized treatment plan that will provide the best possible outcome for each of our patients.
Prior to discussing treatment options, we consider many factors including the stage of the disease, the patient’s age and general health, and if the patient wishes to have children in the future. Our team may recommend radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, targeted therapy and/ or immunotherapy.
In recent years, cisplatin-based chemotherapy given along with radiation, called chemoradiation, has emerged as the new standard of care for treating locally advanced or high-risk, early-stage cervical cancer. This combination has improved response rates and survival compared to prior therapy with radiation alone.
More recently, new combinations of treatment with chemo-radiation have been found to improve outcomes for patients with cervical cancer including combinations with chemotherapy and immunotherapy. This makes individualizing treatment options for each patient through a multidisciplinary approach critical to achieve the best outcomes for each individual patient.
Q: What are the surgical options for treating cervical cancer?
A: In its earliest stages, cervical cancer is usually curable by removing the cancerous tissue. This may involve undergoing a deep resection of the cervix (cold knife cone), a minimally invasive simple hysterectomy or a radical hysterectomy.
A simple hysterectomy involves the removal of the uterus but not the tissue next to the uterus. The vagina and pelvic lymph nodes are not removed. A radical hysterectomy removes the uterus, parametrium, cervix, upper vagina and pelvic lymph nodes.
Premenopausal women who wish to preserve the uterus, may be able to choose a fertility-sparing surgery, such as cone biopsy or trachelectomy. In the former procedure, the surgeon removes a cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix. The latter procedure removes only the cervix and upper vagina.
Q: What are the best ways to help prevent cervical cancer?
A: Receiving regular gynecological exams and getting Pap tests are the most important steps to take toward preventing cervical cancer. In addition, women should get the HPV vaccine, if eligible; use condoms or other barrier methods during sex; limit sexual partners; and stop smoking or using tobacco products.
To make an appointment with Dr. Suarez Mora or another specialist at Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital, call (877) 463-2010 or visit ClevelandClinicFlorida.org/Access.
Gifting Greatness With College Planning
By Peggy Forgan, M. Ed.
Give a high school aged loved one a college planning gift that will last beyond the holiday season. The many steps of the college application process are stressful. I offer a comprehensive roadmap for students to stand out in the crowd and help them connect all the details and meet all the deadlines. My flat fee and all-inclusive 1:1 approach helps your student build a college resume, increase test scores, and find the best schools at the best price, which all helps students achieve greatness.
Giving the gift of college planning to children and grandchildren is a thoughtful and impactful way to support their future success. As the cost of higher education continues to rise, many families feel the financial strain of paying for college. By gifting college planning, you can help ease that burden and set the next generation up for financial stability. I offer expert, 1:1 college planning services, helping you navigate the complexities of the admissions process and create a
personalized plan to maximize financial resources and minimize student debt. Using Class 101’s approach, the college planning process can begin as early as ninth grade, ensuring that students have ample time to build a strong academic and extracurricular profile that aligns with their college and career goals.
Class 101’s comprehensive 1:1 services are designed to provide expert college planning. Our approach offers speed reading, SAT prep courses, college essay writing workshops, career assessment, applications, and scholarship opportunities. These services help your student become positioned to succeed. The SAT prep courses are tailored to improve test scores, while the college essay workshops guide students in crafting compelling essays that stand out in the competitive admissions process. Additionally, the career assessments help students explore their strengths and interests, giving a clearer sense of direction for the future. No detail is left unnoticed in the application process. Ultimately, gifting the college planning services through Class 101 is an investment in your student’s academic success, financial well-being, and future career opportunities.
For information or to schedule a free consultation please contact Peggy Forgan at (561) 418-7897 or www. class101.com/northpalmbeachfl/. Happy Holidays from Class 101!
