Physicians in Cyprus successfully treated Stylianos’ cancer, but the Kortas family had to search further from home for solutions to the lasting damage caused by the long and difficult treatment. They traveled to the United States where they found a physician who would change Stylianos’ life.

Northwestern Medicine interventional gastroenterologist Amrita Sethi, MD, still working in New York at the time, agreed to take Stylianos’ case. When Dr. Sethi joined Northwestern Medicine, Stylianos became the first international patient to receive care at the Center for Advanced Endoscopy at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, Illinois.

“No hospital in Europe accepted us because of my condition, so we requested [an appointment] at Columbia Hospital in New York. There we met Dr. Sethi, our doctor now,” said Stylianos. “I was excited that finally someone wanted to help me.”

A Journey of Survival

Stylianos was diagnosed with advanced lymphoma at age 14. During four rounds of chemotherapy, he experienced massive hemorrhages and severe infections that threatened his young life. As their son’s life hung in the balance, the family leaned on one another, their faith and their community to navigate these challenges.

“Four times Stylianos almost died. It was very difficult, but we gave our hope to God,” said his father Georgios Kortas, a Greek Orthodox priest. “Many times, Stylianos said to us that ‘If it's my time, I will be near God.’ And that gave us the power.”

Despite the challenges, the treatment was successful and Stylianos’ cancer entered remission. However, this was not the end of his medical challenges. He was left with complex gastrointestinal complications including chronic inflammation within the digestive tract, recurrent pancreatitis and significant narrowing of the upper small intestine (duodenal stricture) leaving him unable to digest or pass food. Stylianos was malnourished and rapidly losing weight, relying on intravenous feeding and nutritional formula while his parents and four brothers continued daily meals around him.

“We were cooking for everybody, and he was just taking his milk because he didn’t have any other choice,” said Maria Kortas, his mother. “We were waiting for somebody to help us with this.”

Physicians in Cyprus made one unsuccessful attempt at a specialized procedure called ERCP to remedy the complications, followed by two more attempts in London. The coils placed to control bleeding had migrated into Stylianos’ small intestine, causing obstruction and making it impossible to advance the endoscope, a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera used to see inside the digestive tract. When hospitals across Europe declined to take on his complex case, the family expanded their search to the United States.

A Slice of Hope

In New York, the family met with a team of physicians that included Dr. Sethi. The team determined that endoscopic intervention was the best approach. This allowed Stylianos to avoid major surgery, but left it as an option should the minimally invasive approach not succeed. 

“When I first met Stylianos and his family, they were scared and concerned that their son had not been able to eat for many months,” said Dr. Sethi, now medical director of the Center for Advanced Endoscopy. “He had really lost so much weight. He had been an athlete before. He had a vibrant life. And now he was failing to thrive.”

Between January 2025 and August 2025, the Kortas family traveled to New York three times to continue Stylianos’ care. Through multiple endoscopic procedures, Dr. Sethi successfully dilated the narrowed portion of his intestine and removed some of the coils allowing food to pass again.

“She was the first doctor who could treat him and make him eat after two years,” said Maria. “He was about 55 kilos (121 pounds) when Dr. Sethi first took care of him. Now he's 68 kilos (150 pounds).”

For his first solid food in months, Stylianos chose a cheesy slice of New York-style pizza. The moment marked more than a return to eating. It symbolized hope.

“When he ate the first piece of pizza, I remember he smiled. I will never forget it. For me and Maria, it was like we’re going to cry,” said Georgios.

Following Care to Chicago

While Stylianos experienced significant improvement following the procedures, ongoing endoscopic interventions would be necessary to maintain his health. When Dr. Sethi informed the family that she was relocating to Chicago in August 2025 to help launch the new Northwestern Medicine Center for Advanced Endoscopy, the family decided they would follow her.

“She advised us to continue care [in New York] and assured us she would continue to assist when needed,” said Georgios. “However, we could no longer trust any other physician. She became our doctor and we wanted to continue with her. We have complete trust in her.”

Even when he experienced new episodes of pancreatitis back home in Cyprus, Stylianos declined to proceed with any other physician. His parents supported the decision.

“I know Dr. Sethi is an excellent doctor and that’s why I believe following her here was the right choice,” said Stylianos.

A New Path Forward

In June 2026, the family arrived in Chicago for Stylianos to resume care with Dr. Sethi at the new Center for Advanced Endoscopy at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital. Designed to treat the most complex digestive conditions, the center offers a level of care typically only available at large, academic medical centers.

“This center was built specifically to help patients like Stylianos,” said Dr. Sethi. “We have the equipment, the space and, most importantly, the team, both in endoscopy and within the hospital, to support these very complex cases.”

The goal for Stylianos’ treatment was to unblock the pancreatic duct to control how fluid moved through his pancreas. Knowing that ERCP was not possible, Dr. Sethi used a more advanced method called EUS-guided ERCP to place a stent connecting the stomach and pancreas.

“The connection creates a new avenue for the pancreatic fluid to drain properly when the normal route is blocked or inaccessible,” said Dr. Sethi. “Our hope is that as things continue to drain, his pancreas function will return and he won't require additional help from enzyme supplements to digest food.”

Home, Away from Home

With the assistance of Northwestern Medicine Global Services, the family secured three weeks of housing at the Ronald McDonald House: Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital just across the street from the hospital. The House features all the comforts of home, including private bedrooms and bathrooms, daily meals prepared by volunteers, laundry facilities, a community kitchen, game rooms, play spaces, fitness equipment and more. 

“Families can stay as long as they are receiving treatment,” said Kelly Evans, regional director of programs and operations, west region for Ronald McDonald House: Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana. “We support our international families with the same comfort and care we do with any of our families. We communicate before they come so they're aware of all our amenities and prepared upon their arrival. When they arrive, we try to help them as much as we can for things like securing Ubers or finding grocery stores.”  

For the Kortas family, the proximity to the hospital and support offered at the Ronald McDonald House helped ease the stress of traveling far from home. 

“It’s not easy to leave your family and come here. It’s very far,” said Maria. “We didn’t know how far the House was from the hospital or what to expect. It’s very near and it’s very good.” 

Deep Dish & Best Wishes

Following the successful procedure, the Kortas family explored Chicago visiting iconic landmarks like “The Bean” and the “Home Alone House,” as well as enjoying an architectural boat cruise, a Segway tour, and river kayaking. They caught Chicago Wolves and Chicago Sky games and enjoyed the forest preserves around Winfield. Georgios and Maria focused on one of Chicago’s most recognized ambassadors.

“I played basketball and my wife played basketball. We grew up with Michael Jordan, so I would like to see his court,” said Georgios. “I think we learned Chicago from Michael Jordan.”

For Stylianos, his focus was on learning local history and trying Chicago’s iconic deep dish pizza, a meal that seemed impossible just months earlier. With Dr. Sethi’s blessing, the Northwestern Medicine team surprised Stylianos with a send-off celebration featuring both Chicago styles of pizza: deep dish and tavern‑style.

“Foods like pizza are what we use our pancreas for, but it can be very taxing on the pancreas,” said Dr. Sethi. “We'll always say ‘in moderation,’ but to see him eat pizza and know that he doesn't have to be in pain is wonderful. We've gotten him to a point where he can enjoy these small things and be a kid again.”

After starting his food journey with a New York slice, Stylianos gave his final verdict: Chicago-style deep dish reigns supreme.

“I think Chicago – the deep dish. The crust is amazing,” he said between bites of a cheesy slice.

Looking Ahead

Now stronger and continuing to regain weight, Stylianos is focused on resuming his life in Cyprus and planning his future. He will finish school next year and hopes to one day become a doctor. An ambition inspired by the woman who gave him his life and appetite back.

“When you go through these difficult situations, you're inspired by those people. Now he wants to be a doctor, like Dr. Sethi,” said Maria.

For Dr. Sethi, knowing the young patient she first met in a hospital bed struggling to eat is focused on his future is rewarding validation of what’s possible at the Center for Advanced Endoscopy.

“It's a gift to know that the work that you do has that kind of impact, not only immediately in helping somebody's health, but in their outlook and the way they think about how they can make an impact on others and give them purpose,” said Dr. Sethi. “Seeing young people be inspired in this way is the best outcome we can have as mentors and educators, roles that I can fulfill through the center.”

This journey has already delivered something simple and profound to the Kortas family: the ability to sit down together again and share a meal.

“We feel immense gratitude for the doctors and medical teams who helped our son. The doctors in Cyprus who kept him alive at the Pediatric Oncology Clinic, especially the director. As well as the intensive care doctor at Makario Hospital, who fought so hard to keep our Stylianos alive,” said Georgios. “They helped him beat cancer and emerge victorious through the challenging moments during his treatment. And when we needed further care, we found Dr. Sethi. She gave our son the chance to start eating again.”

The family hopes sharing their story can inspire others facing the same uncertainty.

“Without these doctors, but also without God's help and the prayers of so many people, our son would not be here today. We are deeply grateful,” said Georgios.

About the Northwestern Medicine Center for Advanced Endoscopy

Part of Northwestern Medicine’s Digestive Health Institute, the Center for Advanced Endoscopy is anchored by physicians who are leaders in their field, prominent researchers, and pioneers of endoscopic techniques used worldwide. As one of only a few stand-alone advanced endoscopy sites in the United States, the center is expected to draw individuals from around the globe seeking treatment for the most complex gastrointestinal conditions. 

For more information about the Center for Advanced Endoscopy at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital, visit www.nm.org/cae. To make an appointment, call 630-933-4448.

The EDAP designation, developed by the Illinois Department of Public Health, recognizes hospitals that meet strict requirements for pediatric emergency readiness. To earn the designation, hospitals must meet a comprehensive set of pediatric‑specific standards. These include: 

• Availability of specialized, child‑sized equipment
• Close adherence to pediatric‑specific policies and clinical protocols
• Disaster preparedness plans that address children’s unique needs
• Ongoing pediatric education for emergency teams, such as eight hours of pediatric‑focused continuing education every two years for emergency nurses. 

Huntley Hospital first achieved EDAP status in 2017, just one year after opening, and has maintained it through consistent reaccreditation. 

“Our emergency department team holds itself to the highest standards because we believe children in our communities deserve world‑class care without families having to travel for that care,” said Rebecca Andersen, MD, emergency medicine at Huntley, McHenry, and Woodstock Hospitals. “This designation is a testament to their tireless dedication. Our team’s advanced training, compassion, and unwavering commitment ensure their young patients receive exceptional care.” 

EDAP status means children receive care designed specifically for them, from child-sized equipment and precise medication dosing to a team trained to treat infants through teens. Families can expect a calm, family-centered approach that prioritizes communication and comfort. And unlike many suburban or rural communities where pediatric patients are often transferred to larger hospitals, Huntley’s readiness helps families avoid long travel times and receive immediate, expert care close to home. 

The accreditation also strengthens regional emergency preparedness. EDAP requires robust child-focused planning, enabling Huntley Hospital to coordinate with schools, first responders and regional agencies during severe weather, mass-casualty incidents and other emergencies.  

Huntley’s consecutive exemplary state reviews reflect the hospital’s culture of continuous improvement, emergency readiness and patient-centered care. As Dr. Andersen notes, knowing their local emergency department meets these strict standards offers families reassurance during their most vulnerable moments. 

Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital’s reaccreditation further strengthens pediatric emergency care access across the northwest suburbs. Along with Huntley Hospital, both Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital and Northwestern Medicine Woodstock Hospital have EDAP, creating a network of three accredited pediatric-ready emergency departments serving families throughout McHenry County and surrounding communities. Across the health system, Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital, Valley West Hospital, Delnor Hospital, Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital and Northwestern Memorial Hospital also hold EDAP accreditation, while Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital has earned Pediatric Critical Care Center (PCCC) recognition.

To learn more about Northwestern Medicine, visit https://news.nm.org/. 

WHEATON, Ill. —  For a group of pediatric patients, this morning marked more than playtime. It marked their first experience behind the wheel and for many, their first opportunity to explore independently. At GoBabyGo, children with limited mobility took their first solo rides in custom‑modified electric toy cars built just for them. The annual event is hosted by Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital.

During the event, 21 children received custom‑modified, battery‑powered toy cars designed to support their individual therapeutic and mobility needs. Adapted by a team of therapists and volunteers from across Northwestern Medicine, the cars give children who are unable to walk or crawl and are too young for a motorized wheelchair the ability to move, explore and play alongside their peers.

“GoBabyGo is more than a single day. It creates a life‑changing moment for both children and their families,” said Stephanie Salentine, manager of rehabilitation services at Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital. “For many of these kids, this is their first experience with independent mobility. Seeing the confidence and excitement as they take that first drive is incredibly meaningful for families and care teams alike.”

GoBabyGo focuses on improving mobility, socialization and developmental skills for young children with physical and medical challenges. Each car is customized with therapeutic modifications such as specialized seating, hand controls, five‑point harnesses and head supports to meet the unique needs of every child. The cars are donated and provided to families at no cost.

For families, watching their children experience independent play and movement, often for the first time, is what makes the GoBabyGo event such a powerful and memorable experience.

“I was not expecting this. Not at all. This is eyound words. It truly is,” said Steven Kosriog, of Carol Stream, Ill., who attended the event with his son Jack. “There’s no greater feeling than seeing your son have that independence, especially the independence that he looks for and we look for in him as parents. It means the world.”

Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital has hosted GoBabyGo events since 2015 with support physical and occupational therapists across the Northwestern Medicine health system who volunteer their time to build the cars, as well as community volunteers.

This was the first time the Simmons family, of Joliet, volunteered at GoBabyGo, but they aren’t strangers to the event. Last year, their son Glenn was a recipient of a modified toy car. After experiencing the event as participants, they were eager to come back to bring other children the same joy they experienced from Glenn. Jerome Simmons gathered a group of colleagues to join their volunteer team.

“Last year, it was so much fun. Glenn enjoyed his vehicle so much. We were so happy and overjoyed just to see him get to play and enjoy himself,” said Jerome. “This year, I brought volunteers with me. I’ll be here every year to participate and help increase mobility for other kids.”

Founded in 1972, Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital delivers the most innovative rehabilitation solutions available with compassion. The hospital treats a wide range of injuries and illnesses with specialized rehabilitation programs for brain injury, neuromuscular, orthopaedic, pediatric, spinal cord and stroke. In 2024, Marianjoy achieved the prestigious Magnet® designation for nursing excellence. It is one of just a handful of freestanding rehabilitation hospitals in the U.S. to receive Magnet designation. To learn more, visit: https://www.nm.org/locations/marianjoy-rehabilitation-hospital. 

HUNTLEY, Ill. — April 9, 2026 — Registration is now open for the Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital Healthy Minds, Bright Futures: Integrated Youth Wellness Symposium, an educational event designed for parents and caregivers looking for practical tools to support the mental health of children and young adults during the summer months.

The symposium will be held Friday, May 1, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital, 10400 Haligus Road in Huntley.

Featured presenters include pediatricians, psychologists, dietitians and pediatric health providers from Northwestern Medicine, offering a wide range of perspectives on youth wellness. The event is open to the public at no cost; however, advance registration is required by April 21.

"Summer can be a challenging time for families as routines change and screen time often increases," said Allison Kranich, LCPC, behavioral health clinician at Northwestern Medicine and symposium speaker. “This symposium gives parents evidence-based strategies they can realistically apply at home, while reassuring them that they're not alone in navigating today's complex parenting landscape.”

The symposium will feature sessions focused on parenting in a digital world, including how to recognize health misinformation online, understand and calm anxious minds, and promote healthy sleep. Attendees will hear two featured presentations and have the opportunity to select two breakout sessions tailored to their interests and family needs.Presentations planned this year include:

• Don't Get Played: How to Recognize Vaccine Misinformation - Lisa Messinger, MD, pediatrics
• Log Off, Live More: Simple Strategies for Less Screen and More Life - Allison Kranich, LCPC, psychology

Breakout sessions:

• Nutrition Principles for Pediatric Health - Lindsey Shaffer, RD, dietary services
• Anxiety in Youth: Understanding Anxiety and Building Resiliency - Nicole Francen Schmitt, PsyD, psychology
• Sweet Dreams: Development, Challenges and Recommendations for Healthy Sleep - Maria Ragusa, APRN, psychiatry

For more information and to register, visit the Healthy Minds, Bright Futures: Integrated Youth Wellness Symposium registration page.

GRAYSLAKE, Ill. –The focus may have been on safety, but there were also countless smiles on children’s faces as the Northwestern Medicine’s Children’s Health and Safety Fair returned to the Northwestern Medicine Grayslake Outpatient Center on June 7, 2025.

A community favorite since its inception in 2004, the fair is child-focused, with interactive and educational exhibits located throughout the Northwestern Medicine Grayslake Outpatient Center. In its second year back after a brief pause during the pandemic, the fair saw record turnout with more than 650 attendees.

Children lined up for a chance to learn about bike safety, with Northwestern Medicine Grayslake physicians and staff helping to properly fit bike helmets on each child.

A “Teddy Bear Clinic” eases children’s fears about getting hurt and having to go to the hospital. Teddy bears received “treatment” in a non-threatening environment before going home with the kids.

An obstacle course and fitness challenge encouraged kids to stay active, while also learning about nutrition with a “Food Matching” game nearby.A Superior Air Med helicopter also landed nearby, giving families a fun photo opportunity. Children were also able to explore fire trucks and police as emergency services representatives from the Grayslake fire and police departments and Lake County Sherriff’s Office showed kids how they work to protect the community.

“The Grayslake Children’s Health and Safety Fair is an event we look forward to every year. We are thrilled to collaborate with so many community organizations to bring safety awareness and joy to children,” said Karen Mahnke MSN, RN, NEA-BC RN, NEA-BC executive sponsor of the fair and vice president operations and Bernthal Family Chief Nurse Executive at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital. “Our physicians, nurses and staff love sharing these important health and safety lessons with the families we serve and are excited about the impact it can have, protecting kids in the community.”

To learn more about Northwestern Medicine, visit nm.org.

WHEATON, Ill. —  Smiles, cheers, and the buzz of tiny engines filled the air as pediatric patients with limited mobility experienced the thrill of independent movement at the annual GoBabyGo event at Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital in Wheaton, Ill.

During the event, 18 children were gifted custom-modified, battery-powered toy cars designed to meet their individual therapeutic and mobility needs. The toy cars — adapted by a team of therapists and volunteers from across Northwestern Medicine  — provide children who are not able to walk or crawl and are too young for a motorized wheelchair, the chance to move, explore, and play like their peers.

“GoBabyGo is more than an event — it’s a moment that changes a child’s life and brings joy to these families,” said Stephanie Salentine, manager of rehabilitation services at Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital. “For many of these kids, it’s their first taste of independence. Watching them light up as they ‘drive’ for the first time is a powerful and special experience for both families and care teams.”

Originally founded at the University of Delaware, GoBabyGo aims to increase mobility, socialization, and developmental skills in young children with physical and medical challenges. Each car was customized with therapeutic adaptations such as specialized seating, hand controls, five-point harnesses, and head supports to meet the needs of each child. Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital has hosted GoBabyGo events since 2015 with the help of physical and occupational therapists from across the Northwestern Medicine health system who volunteer to build the cars. 

For the families, giving their children the opportunity to play independently like their peers despite mobility limitations is what makes the GoBabyGo event special. 

“The car allows Finley to play like other kids his age. His peers are doing the exact same thing,” said Jason Edgar, father of Finley (4). “The car is customized to his condition. He doesn’t have a lot of control of his trunk, so they’re able to [cinch a harness] so he can sit up and actually drive himself. He’s most excited about the radio in the car.” 

Jerome Simmons was excited to surprise his 7-year-old son Glenn with a customized toy car like the one his sister plays with at home. 

“He loves cars. We’re excited about him having his own that he can control and have fun with,” said Simmons. “He gets to be more independent doing something he likes to do. That’s a big thing for me, just getting him to be as independent as possible.” 

Founded in 1972, Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital delivers the most innovative rehabilitation solutions available with compassion. The hospital treats a wide range of injuries and illnesses with specialized rehabilitation programs for brain injury, neuromuscular, orthopaedic, pediatric spinal cord and stroke. In 2024, Marianjoy achieved the prestigious Magnet® designation for nursing excellence. It is 1 of only 6 freestanding rehabilitation hospitals in the U.S. to receive Magnet designation. To learn more, visit: https://www.nm.org/locations/marianjoy-rehabilitation-hospital.