By Evelyn KaratzasJul 11, 2026
Stylianos Kortas Celebrates Being Cancer-Free with Pizza After Two Years on a Liquid Diet
CYPRUS – For two years Stylianos Kortas, a 17‑year‑old teenager from Cyprus, struggled to eat anything solid. He was dependent on a liquid diet after suffering complications from lymphoma treatment which damaged his digestive tract, leaving him unable to eat
After receiving treatment in Cyprus by physicians, his cancer was gone, however Kortas’ family needed longer-term solutions to combat the damage caused by his long and difficult treatment. This is what led him to the U.S., where they met with a physician who changed Kortas’ life – Amrita Sethi, MD, an interventional gastroenterologist from Northwestern Medicine
Dr. Sethi agreed to help the Kortas family, where the teen became the first international patient to receive care at the Center for Advanced Endoscopy at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, IL
17-year-old Stylianos Kortas enjoying Chicago’s deep-dish pizza for the first time. (Photo: Courtesy of Northwestern Medicine)
Kortas’ diagnosis
At only 14 years old, the Cypriot teen was diagnosed with advanced lymphoma. He then went through four rounds of chemotherapy, but he then experienced massive hemorrhages and severe infections that threatened his life
Georgios Kortas, a Greek orthodox priest, and the childs’ father, noted – “four times Stylianos almost died. It was very difficult, but we put our hope in God.”
“Many times, Stylianos said to us that ‘if it’s my time, I will be near God.’ And that gave us the power,” his father said
Despite the challenges he faced, Kortas’ treatment was successful and his cancer went into remission. However, he was left with severe gastrointestinal complications, including chronic digestive tract inflammation, recurrent pancreatitis, and a duodenal stricture that left him unable to digest or pass food
Kortas then experienced rapid weight loss, became malnourished, and eventually relied on intravenous feeding and nutritional formula
Dr. Sethi’s and the Northwestern Medicine team surprised Stylianos with a send-off celebration featuring deep-dish and tavern-style pizza. (Photo: Courtesy of Northwestern Medicine)
Coming to America
After being turned away in Europe, the family came to the U.S., where they met Dr. Amrita Sethi. She offered a treatment plan that avoided major surgery, and through a series of endoscopic procedures, Dr. Sethi successfully dilated the narrowed portion of his intestine and removed some of the coils, allowing food to pass again.
“He was about 55 kilos (121 pounds) when Dr. Sethi first took care of him. Now he’s 68 kilos (150 pounds),” Kortas’ mother, Maria, said
The Kortas family. (Photo: Courtesy of Northwestern Medicine)
Enjoying his first bite
After not being able to eat solid food for nearly two years, Kortas celebrated his successful treatment with a slice of New York-style pizza.
“For about seven to eight months, I was on an exclus
ively formula-milk diet because I couldn’t tolerate any solid food. Everything I tried to eat, I ended up vomiting. Sitting down and enjoying a meal had become a luxury that seemed out of reach,” Kortas told TNH.
“After so many months, I was finally able to eat solid food again – the feeling was truly priceless. It was not just a meal – it was a moment of deliverance, a moment that gave me back a piece of my life that I thought I had lost. The first slice of pizza I was able to enjoy…symbolized hope, progress, and a return to normalcy.”
Kortas said he believed God sent Dr. Sethi into his life at the perfect moment.
“Thanks to her knowledge, perseverance, and care, today I can once again enjoy not only pizza, but all of my favorite foods. It is a gift I will never take for granted.”
Stylianos Kortas with his friends and family in hospital. (Photo: Courtesy of Northwestern Medicine)
Staying positive throughout his journey
When asked what helped him stay positive throughout his journey, Kortas said his faith played a pivotal role.
“The source of my strength, hope, and optimism throughout this difficult journey was, above all, my faith in God and the Virgin Mary. In moments when everything seemed uncertain, I felt that I was not alone. My spiritual father, Metropolitan Athanasios of Limassol, supported me incessantly with his prayers, words, and paternal love,” the Cypriot teen said.
Kortas especially mentioned Dr. Sethi, who gave him renewed confidence during his treatment.
“For the first time in a long while, I felt that I was in the right hands and that there was a real prospect of my life improving. This feeling, combined with my faith and the love of everyone who stood by me, helped me stand tall and keep fighting.”
Stylianos Kortas and his mom, Maria. (Photo: Courtesy of Northwestern Medicine)
Travelling to Chicago post-procedures
Although Kortas’ condition significantly improved following the procedures, ongoing endoscopic interventions needed to take place to maintain his health
After finding out Dr. Sethi was relocating to Chicago in August 2025, the family decided they would follow her, as Kortas said he trusted her and wanted to continue being seen by her, despite being advised to stay in New York
The Kortas family arrived in Chicago in June 2026, where they were able to resume their care with Dr. Sethi at the new Center for Advanced Endoscopy at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital
This hospital is designed to treat the most complex digestive conditions and people like Kortas
“We have the equipment, the space and, most importantly, the team, both in endoscopy and within the hospital, to support these very complex cases,” Dr. Sethi said
Stylianos Kortas and his father, Georgios. (Photo: Courtesy of Northwestern Medicine)
Enjoying more pizza, deep-dish style
Following another successful procedure in Chicago with Dr. Sethi, the Kortas family celebrated by visiting some of the city’s iconic landmarks and trying Chicago’s famous deep-dish pizza – a meal that had seemed impossible for Stylianos Kortas just months earlier
With Dr. Sethi’s blessing, the Northwestern Medicine team surprised Stylianos with a send-off celebration featuring deep-dish and tavern-style pizza
“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,” Dr. Sethi said. “We’ve gotten him to a point where he can enjoy these small things and be a kid again.”
Looking forward
Now stronger and more hopeful, Kortas said his life has changed dramatically since undergoing treatment
“When I first arrived [in Chicago], the city was associated with anxiety and uncertainty… because I was there for a major medical procedure,” he said
“After the surgery, however, and thanks to the exceptional care of Dr. Sethi and her team, Chicago, took on a completely different meaning for me. From a city of hospitalization, it was transformed into a symbol of hope, strength, and freedom
“It was incredible to finally be able to explore its vibrant streets, enjoy its sights, and, most importantly, sit at a table with my family and share a meal without fear. My first visit to Chicago will always hold a special place in my heart, because it is the place that gifted me not only a successful treatment, but also a better quality of life.”
Filled with gratitude for Dr. Sethi, the team at Northwestern Medicine, and the support of his family and friends, Kortas reflected on how far he has come
“Today, my life has changed substantially for the better and, for the first time in many years, I feel normal again. I can exercise, go out with my friends, participate in daily activities without restrictions, and enjoy a meal without anxiety or fear. These moments, which are taken for granted by many, are a precious gift to me.”
