Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute - Oncology and Hematology

In 2003, Anne was diagnosed with Myelodysplasia 5q-, a rare bone marrow disorder that affects the development of red blood cells, often leading to anemia and enlarged red blood cells. At that time, her care provider told her she likely only had 5 years to live. Fortunately, through a support group, she learned of a clinical trial offered by Gustavo A. Fonseca, MD, FACP, medical oncologist and hematologist at Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, and was able to enroll. Now, 20 years later, she recalls the many milestones she’s experienced since her diagnosis and extends her gratitude to Dr. Fonseca, her FCS care team, and above all, the clinical trial that saved her life.

Terry Garrie experienced an unexpected loss of voice for several months, which he initially attributed to laryngitis. When his voice returned, it was hoarse, prompting him to seek medical help. After receiving treatment and a dire diagnosis, Terry came to Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) for a second opinion.

Under the care and recommendation of FCS Medical Oncologist and Hematologist Kristen Gonter-Aubin, DO, Terry opted to participate in clinical trials with FCS Associate Director of Drug Development Judy Wang, MD. Terry immediately had a positive response to his treatment with minimal side effects. Now, if you ask him about his experience at FCS, he’ll proudly share that Dr. Gonter-Aubin and Dr. Wang are his “guardian angels.”

Stefanie Ascher leads a busy life as a 30-year-old mother and chiropractor. Here, she recounts the symptoms that led her to her diagnosis of stage IV non-Hodgkin lymphoma and what helped her overcome the greatest challenge of her life — fighting cancer. She credits much of her success to her care team at Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute: FCS Medical Oncologist and Hematologist Christopher Lobo, MD, Julie Pauly, APRN, and the entire FCS Port Charlotte team, who were there for her every step of the way.

For two years, Helena Moscato searched for answers when she began experiencing frequent urination and UTIs. After receiving a biopsy, she learned she had advanced-stage bladder cancer and began to receive care from FCS medical oncologist/hematologist Ana Van Der Wall, MD. When her daughter Rachele learned of her mother’s diagnosis, she moved up her wedding date so her mom could be there. Dr. Van Der Wall safely adjusted her treatment schedule to allow Helena to enjoy the day and be present without any side effects of her treatment.

After major surgery and a stage four diagnosis, Linda Beinert felt helpless and scared following a poor prognosis from her surgeon. When she met FCS Medical Oncologist/Hematologist Renjitha Ignatius, MD, she immediately felt a connection with her and felt well cared for. After two years of checkpoint inhibitive therapy, Linda is now free of disease and is living a comfortable life.

Tampa Bay businessman Jim Marshall has always hustled in his career and athletics, so when he began to feel tired and run down in the fall of 2005, he immediately started looking for answers. After Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute Medical Oncologist and Hematologist Idelfia Marte, MD, diagnosed him with Hodgkin lymphoma, he tackled his treatment with the goal of running a marathon when he was finished — achieving his goal in 2006.