I am sorry that I cannot join you today in paying tribute to Costa Migadakis.  I consider it a privilege of my profession that I cross paths with truly remarkable people like Costa.  In the two years that he was treated at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, he made an indelible mark on all of us who cared for him.  It is in the face of adversity, I believe, that we see a person’s true nature.  During our time together, Costa deeply impressed me with his integrity, courage, compassion, kindness and intelligence.  His strength of character transcended his twenty-six years of life.  His decisions—even to the last moments of his life—were guided by his indomitable spirit as well as his love for his family and friends.

In the future, only further research will stop this disease from taking the lives of young men like Costa. Testicular cancer is the most common cause of cancer in men in their twenties and thirties.  Because of research already completed, the majority of patients thankfully can be cured with combinations of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.  However, there remains a group of “high-risk” patients for whom current therapies remain inadequate. Costa supported efforts for clinical research very strongly and I believe he would applaud your efforts to improve treatment for future patients.  Such a legacy of helping others is a fitting remembrance for this wonderful young man.

William Oh, M. D.