Hi, my name is Rachel. I'm 20 years old and from the U.K.

Newsletters

Each link below connects to a PDF version of the newsletter. If you do not have the Acrobat reader, it will not display. The Acrobat reader is available for free at www.adobe.com

The PDF files range from 100-1500KB and may take a long time to load, but they are worth the wait! The newsletters are not readable in versions of Acrobat Reader prior to 5.0, which sometimes cannot display fonts, leaving many black and white boxes instead of text. If you have trouble, the latest reader is 7.0, and an upgrade is recommended.

If you are experiencing problems opening up the pdf documents, follow these steps: 1) Right click on mouse, 2) Click "Save Target As", 3) Save document on your computer, and 4) After download, click Open to open the document.

September 2008 Vol. 9 No. 9
View as a Web Page (If you experience problems viewing the Adobe file.)

Click here to see a listing of articles for this issue

Editorial: When is enough, enough?
Routine mutational plasma level testing: The time has come;
Life Fest 2008: There's still time!;
MSK team finds rare new mutation;
September 2008 international clinical trials update;
How long must dying patients wait for justice?;
Website of Worth: Lotsa Helping Hands;
Gleevec reduces FDA priority review as first therapy to reduce recurrence of GI stromal tumores after surgery;
Keeley Bihr: Remembering a mountain man;
Fight ends with family by her side;
Family, history and cars made it a colorful life for Jan-Einar;
Devoted wife, mother and volunteer passes;
Search and shop for a cause;
Did you see the LRG on PerezHilton.com?;
LRG says goodbye to summer intern;
GISTers gather in Northern California.

August 2008 Vol. 9 No. 8
View as a Web Page (If you experience problems viewing the Adobe file.)

Click here to see a listing of articles for this issue

Placebo: Wrong then, wrong now;
International GIST community meets in Italy
NIH clinic: in two perspectives;
What's going on at Life Fest?;
August 2008 US clinical trials update;
Infinity's IPI-504 enters phase III;
More GIST highlights from ASCO 2008;
Adult GIST pamphlet translated into Urdu;
PFS: Patient Benefit or Lower Stabdard?;
Have you seen the new LRG Newsroom?;
Pennsylvania GISTers meet;
Schade offered a warm smile and a love of life;
Life Fest 2008 registration form.

July 2008 Vol. 9 No. 7
View as a Web Page (If you experience problems viewing the Adobe file.)

Click here to see a listing of articles for this issue

LRG's Israeli efforts win big;
potential new signal pathway in GIST
NIH clinic a success: Pediatric GISTers show up en masse!;
New BOD president announced!;
July 2008 international clinical trials update;
Second phase of LRG "Pathway to a Cure" research program launched;
Infinity's IPI-504 completes phase I;
Joseph Trinca, 58, passes away with family at his side;
LRG represents at ASCO 2008 in Chicago!;
Clinical trials webcast: an interactive demo on searching for the latest trials;
A sneak peek at the "Managing Your GIST Care" pamphlet;
Life Fest 2008 update;
Happy Cancer-versary to Liz Skree!

June 2008 Vol. 9 No. 6
View as a Web Page (If you experience problems viewing the Adobe file.)

Click here to see a listing of articles for this issue

Windy city to hold Life Fest 2008;
New target found for wild-type and pediatric GIST;
Canadian GIST patients may soon benefit from Josephy's experience
June 2008 US clinical trials update;
Cancer in the news: can exercise combat fatigue and Medicare costs swell higher;
Campaign 2008: Candidates' histories concerning healthcare-Obama;
The role of CT and PET scans in the evaluation of GIST;
15 steps you can take to reduce your risk of a hospital infection;
Michigan Life Rafters meet;
Chicago area GIST patients meet;
Lindeken: dear friend and Life Rafter.

May 2008 Vol. 9 No. 5
View as a Web Page (If you experience problems viewing the Adobe file.)

Click here to see a listing of articles for this issue

Interpreting research: dilemmas facing patients and physicians;
Medicare: What some GISTers need to know;
PI3Ks: a new target in GIST and new drugs in trials
MRIs, CTs and PETs examined and clarified;
May 2008 international clinical trial update;
Campaign 2008: Candidate's histories concerning healthcare-McCain;
PI3K drugs in phase I trials;
Happy Cancer-versary to Laura Kukucka!;
Pediatric GIST webcast highlights treatment elements & spring clinic;
Website of Worth: Cancer Crusade;
Midwestern GIST patients meet.

April 2008 Vol. 9 No. 4
View as a Web Page (If you experience problems viewing the Adobe file.)

Click here to see a listing of articles for this issue

Call dissects 2007 LRG study;
French "Rebirth" program breathes new life in women;
Chandell Fuqua: More than a survivor
April 2008 US clinical trial update;
Website of Worth: SeventyK;
Campaign 2008: Candidate's histories concerning healthcare-Clinton;
Concerns raised, FDA meets on ESAs;
Mayer's work on display through April;
First national A.I.G. meeting held in Milan;
The doctor is in: common patient questions answered (Part Two);
Abigail case denied: Court rules against patients' right to choose;
Rafters in Ohio meet;
Placebo effect: can a $2.50 placebo work better than one worth 10 cents?;
Canada Rafters meet;
Gerald & Deanne got 45 happy years;
NY/NJ GISTers meet.

March 2008 Vol. 9 No. 3
View as a Web Page (If you experience problems viewing the Adobe file.)

 Click here to see a listing of articles for this issue

Special Edition: 2007 LRG Dosage Study, "The effect of imatinib dose upon the survival of metastatic GIST patients.

February 2008 Vol. 9 No. 2
View as a Web Page (If you experience problems viewing the Adobe file.)

 Click here to see a listing of articles for this issue

NIH Pediatric GIST clinic is planned for spring 2008;
The doctor is in: common patient questions answered;
'Hide & go seek': Sarcoma UK director questions politicians;
Suboptimal response in CML linked to Gleevec uptake into leukemia cells;
February 2008 international clinical trial;
Campaign 2008: LAF Presidential Cancer Forum represents you;
GI symposium offers interesting abstracts;
Happy Cancer-versary to Rachel Gilbert!;
Chicago area GISTers meet.;

January 2008 Vol. 9 No. 1
View as a Web Page (If you experience problems viewing the Adobe file.)

 Click here to see a listing of articles for this issue

Molecular therapy & surgery combined in GIST;
2007 Executive Director's Report;
Laura sees pot o' gold, even if no one else can;
January 2008 clinical trial update;
Kwart puts pen to paper in plea to patients;
LRG webcast succcess, DeMatteo discusses adjuvant Gleevec;
Texas+Poker=winning combination;
Japanese GISTers 'Relay for Life' in September;
What's your New Year's resolution?;
Insurance status linked to cancer outcomes;
Mustard was friend until very end.

December 2007 Vol. 8 No. 12
View as a Web Page (If you experience problems viewing the Adobe file.)

 Click here to see a listing of articles for this issue

'Tis the season to be jolly?;
Apoptosis: How to kill a GIST cell;
LRG webcasts keep drawing high interest;
Dana farber study focuses on wild-type KIT and pediatric GIST;
December 2007 international clinical trial update;
French patients hold general assembly in Paris;
Columbia researchers say CT scan overuse may lead to significant public health problem;
'Pathway' campaign off to a great start;
Michele Sceiperpeter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend;
Opening of 'Gleevec+IL2' phase 1 trial at Gustave Roussy;
Washington GISTers meet;
Caraway, 72, fought heroic battle;
Kwart represents LRG at this year's NORD conference.

November 2007 Vol. 8 No. 11
View as a Web Page (If you experience problems viewing the Adobe file.)

 Click here to see a listing of articles for this issue

Thanksgiving for LRG research;
Compassionate use process is not so compassionate;
'Viva Carolina' team exceeds $10,000 goal for Life Rafter;
Looking for new ways to fight GIST;
November 2007 clinical trial update;
Fourth annual Contactgroup GIST meeting held on September 29;
GCRF 2007 'Walk for a Cure' is resounding success;
New views of receptor molecule may open doors;
Canada LRG meets;
Dana Farber holding GIST Patient Support Forum on November 12;
FDA approves Tasigna in CML;
CMS changes proposed clinical trials policy;
Peter Thomas Memorial Ride has raised over $22,000;
NYC Poker Tournament has another great year.

October 2007 Vol. 8 No. 10
View as a Web Page (If you experience problems viewing the Adobe file.)

 Click here to see a listing of articles for this issue

GIST in the UK: realities bite hard;
August blessings for April: a baby born in the LRG;
Building blocks of tumor progression;
Questions no one wants to face: five years later, Rigg's still got it;
International clinical trial update;
Two reports of good Nexavar response;
Long Beach Marathon team have surpassed the half-way mark to their $10,000 goal;
Carney-Stratakis syndrome explained;
Fourth annual poker tournament in NYC will be held on October 17;
Medical Mistakes happen: stay in control;
Ohio local group meets;
A first person look at European Cancer Conference.

September 2007 Vol. 8 No. 9
View as a Web Page (If you experience problems viewing the Adobe file.)

 Click here to see a listing of articles for this issue

One year research team milestone reached;
Rigg: The healthiest woman, despite GIST;
Pediatric GIST: an evolving concept;
GIST-legal headlines;
NCCN task force takes strong stand in genotyping debate;
September 2007 clinical trial update;
Member Suggestions;
Pete Richetti, 47, beloved son, cherished brother and dedicated uncle;
New York GISTers meet;
Did you Know: "Is Sutent covered by Medicare?"

August 2007 Vol. 8 No. 8
View as a Web Page (If you experience problems viewing the Adobe file.)

 Click here to see a listing of articles for this issue

GIST Research Progress;
Second webcast is resounding success: Fletcher reports on 'Pathway to a Cure';
Patient group reps meet in Germany;
More highlights from ASCO 2007;
August 2007 clinical trial update;
Will you run for my daughter?;
Why not do some good with your search?;
Katharine Kimball faces GIST one surgery at a time;
AMN107 Update;
GIST101: Metastases;

July 2007 Vol. 8 No. 7
View as a Web Page (If you experience problems viewing the Adobe file.)

 Click here to see a listing of articles for this issue

First LRG webcast is successful;
Looking for kinase mutations in GISTs: how, when and why?;
A stitch in time: life with GIST can still exist;
Highlights from ASCO 2007;
Once a teacher, always a teacher;
Community Beat: Relay for Life and Lecointe official picture;
July 2007 clinical trial update;
LRG in the News: Wall Street Journal article;
Florida GISTers meet;
Local Groups Get Together: Southern California & Michigan.

June 2007 Vol. 8 No. 6
View as a Web Page (If you experience problems viewing the Adobe file.)

May 2007 Vol. 8 No. 5
View as a Web Page (If you experience problems viewing the Adobe file.)

 Click here to see a listing of articles for this issue

KIT & PDGFRA mutations in GIST: A to Z;
Clinical trial confirms Gleevec reduces recurrence;
Immunotherapy trial strives to improve Gleevec response;
Adjuvant Gleevec Q&A with Jonathan Trent and Jerry Call;
From the Elysee to Le Monde, Lecointe can do it all;
'Treatments, trials and trails, oh my' but life must go on: Part 2;
May 2007 clinical trial update;
AMN107 (Tasigna) now open at Fox Chase Cancer Center;
Editor's Note: Dr. Daruka Mahadevan;
Biomarkers presentation sparks interest at Dutch meeting;
Ohio local group meets.

April 2007 Vol. 8 No. 4
View as a Web Page (If you experience problems viewing the Adobe file.)

 Click here to see a listing of articles for this issue

Gene microarray technology yields interesting results in the laboratory;
Scherzer Editorial: companies need patent protection to help with future drug research;
'Treatments, trials and trails, oh my' but life must go on: Part 1;
April 2007 clinical trial update;
Fourth annual spring meeting of Swiss GIST patient group;
Novel KIT inhibitor also targets a new suspect; clinical trials to begin this year;
Clinical Trial Table;
LRG works with medical institutions on Familial GIST study;
Simple two-gene test sorts out similar gastrointestinal cancers;
Dutch LRG changes name and plans 2007 GIST meeting;
John Leary, a wonderful father, husband, friend and student;
Pediatric GIST is discussed at San Diego meeting;
Israeli group holds its fifth monthly meeting.

March 2007 Vol. 8 No. 3
View as a Web Page (If you experience problems viewing the Adobe file.)

 Click here to see a listing of articles for this issue

The use of mouse models to help investigate GIST;
Immunotherapy: a new hope for GIST treatment;
Gleevec: revolutionizing GIST cancer treatment;
March 2007 clinical trial update;
Life Rafters raise $30,000 with third annual holiday campaign;
Illustrating gives Greenwood comfort through his GIST battle;
The Life Raft Group Facebook;
Gratz, 64, fought a courageous battle;
LRG Science Team meets in Chicago;
Clinical Trial Tables.

February 2007 Vol. 8 No. 2
View as a Web Page (If you experience problems viewing the Adobe file.)

 Click here to see a listing of articles for this issue

Several new Web sites launched about GIST;
Understanding GIST survival under imatinib treatment;
Strategies and classes of potential GIST drugs;
Painting transformed Mayer's pain into healing;
Norwegian FAQs up on Web sites!;
February 2007 clinical trial update.

January 2007 Vol. 8 No. 1
View as a Web Page (If you experience problems viewing the Adobe file.)

 Click here to see a listing of articles for this issue

Overcoming treatment resistance in GIST patients;
The state of the Life Raft Group in 2006;
Questions to consider for adjuvant treatment;
Finding a silver-lining when living with cancer;
Magic Leaves Fundraising Campaign;
CancerCare Teleconference;
Howe fought GIST courageously;
Lee Cousins, age 58;
January 2007 clinical trial update;
Georgia Life Raft Group;
Tran, 39, traveled across the world to find a cure for GIST;
Hospital tips: the small stuff can add up.

December 2006 Vol. 7 No. 10
View as a Web Page (If you experience problems viewing the Adobe file.)

 Click here to see a listing of articles for this issue

European conferences attract GIST medical professionals;
Call comments on phase III Sutent results;
LRG Netherlands successfully hosts third annual meeting;
Alabama LRG group meets for first time in Birmingham;
Life Raft awards next round of research grants;
Holiday Fundraising Campaign;
Quilt auction brings Life Raft Group over $300;
Rita Raj was an active women's health advocate;
December 2006 clinical trial update;
Novartis meets in Monterrey, Mexico to jump start clinical trials;
New Jersey Local Life Raft Group;
First pediatric GISTer to tie the knot!;
Flu Shots;
Ohio Group meets with Dr. Manisha Shah of Ohio State University Medical Center;
Chicago brings speakers to discuss GIST treatment options.

November 2006 Vol. 7 No. 9
View as a Web Page (If you experience problems viewing the Adobe file.)

 Click here to see a listing of articles for this issue

Life Fest: A Texas-sized success;
Connecting the Dots: Call offers perspective on GIST trends;
Researchers give update on GIST Resistance Project;
Over $85,000 raised at New York City poker tournament;
Betty Louise Rosenbluth--Celebrating 75 Years (1930-2006);
Relay for Life for Japanese GIST Patients;
Holiday Fundraising Campaign;
November 2006 clinical trial update;
New websites launched for Italy and France LRG Groups;
Coppede was an avid golfer and gardener;
GIST Walk in memory of Peter Thomas;
LRG member John Leary raises money for GIST research.

October 2006 Bulletin

 Click here to see a listing of articles for this issue

A message from the Executive Director;
Coming Attractions;
Five-Year-and-More GIST Survivors.

September 2006 Vol. 7 No. 8
View as a Web Page (If you experience problems viewing the Adobe file.)

 Click here to see a listing of articles for this issue

GIST patients and experts head to Dallas for Life Fest;
Israeli GIST Group brings CIST clinical trial to Israel;
Walking the GIST Trail again;
GIST studies receive substantial interest at ASCO '06 conference;
Corless: mountain climber during 'off' and 'on' peak time;
Cancer patient credits experiments for survival;
Tap helps start sarcoma program at UCLA;
Correction on AMG706 GIST trial article;
New website launched for Global GIST Network;
September 2006 clinical trial update.

August 2006 Vol. 7 No. 7
View as a Web Page (If you experience problems viewing the Adobe file.)

 Click here to see a listing of articles for this issue

Life Fest 2006 agenda now available;
More placebo clinical trials predicted for cancer patients;
Life Raft Group reexamines the role of drug level testing;
Surgery and genotyping highlighted at ASCO conference;
AMG 706 will not get FDA approval for GIST;
Case scenario of patient treatment adherence;
Opinion on surgery for metastatic GIST;
The first pediatric GIST review board: creating a virtual center of excellence;
Gleevec still beneficial, despite evidence of heart disease;
Pastor Paul Isaak lived his life for everyone;
Washington Life Raft Group;
GIST patient groups convene in Budapest;
New website launched for Global GIST Network.

July 2006 Vol. 7 No. 6
View as a Web Page (If you experience problems viewing the Adobe file.)

 Click here to see a listing of articles for this issue

Life Raft meets with Centers for DIsease Control and Prevention;
Mutational testing predicts GIST treatment response;
Novartis-Schering drug vatalanib produces interesting early results;
Debiec-Rychter sees research group as an orchestra;
Medicare Surprise: Why many seniors could temporarily lose drug coverage;
Editorial: The time for routine mutational testing has come;
Life Raft meets with Infinity about IPI-504;
Murphy battled GIST for 7 years;
AMG706 continues testing as second line drug for Gleevec-resistant GIST patients;
Life Fest 2006 in Dallas, TX September 15-17, 2006;
Dutch Life Raft Group receives national recognition;
ASCO reports Sutent as important drug for pediatric GIST;
Global GIST adds new GIST representatives;
The benefits of Health Savings Accounts.

June 2006 Vol. 7 No. 5
View as a Web Page (If you experience problems viewing the Adobe file.)

 Click here to see a listing of articles for this issue

Clinical trial initiative to be launched in Mexico;
EORTC Study: Progression-free survival improves for 800 mg vs. 400 mg patients;
Learn how to appeal an insurance claim;
Vasella, CEO of Novartis, will appear at Life Fest 2006;
A continued discussion on optimizing therapy for GIST;
Palmer bids adieu as Life Raft newsletter editor;
Life Raft publishes 2005 annual report;
Laughter helps sisters battle the GIST dragon;
Global GIST Network adds new representatives;
Roy Barton, 69, battled GIST for five years;
June 2006 clinical trial update for GIST patients;
Highlights from the American Association for Cancer Research meeting;
Thoughts from the Executive Director;
Largest West Coast gathering of GIST'ers;
Chicago Life Raft chapter focuses on 'positive thinking'.

May 2006 Vol. 7 No. 4

 Click here to see a listing of articles for this issue

Membership meeting will include Pediatric GISTers;
Reflections on lessons learned from First Pediatric Weekend;
Understanding pediatric GIST may provide important clues;
Antonescu helps break ground on pediatric GIST;
A wedding in the Life Raft Group;
Stephanie Kastner shares her trip to the Western Caribbean;
What Cancer Cannot Do;
We all have different ways of coping with having cancer;v Living life to the fullest;
May 2006 clinical trial update for GIST patients.

March-April 2006 Vol. 7 No. 3

 Click here to see a listing of articles for this issue

Life Raft funds 10 research projects;
Dallas hosts Life Fest '06 Sept. 15-17;
Maybe There Is A Better Way;
March clinical trial update for resistant GIST;
PedsChat, the first pediatric GIST listserv;
Mansfields look to the future despite worries;
Optimizing therapy for GIST: A discussion;
Imatinib resistance focus of intense study;
The LRG Research Team;
Maj. Quigley fought GIST 9 years;
Pediatric GIST Newsletter plans launch this spring;
Patient status after four years on Gleevec;
Global GIST Network adds New Ireland representative;
Locks of Love;
Help keep the Life Raft afloat!;
Deep in the heart of Texas.

February 2006 Vol. 7 No. 2

 Click here to see a listing of articles for this issue

Standard treatment guidelines for GIST;
GIST'ers share their Sutent experiences;
Life Raft coming attractions;
Explosion of GIST information raises questions;
Setting 2006 goals at LRG headquarters;
GIST Q&A with Dr. Peter Reichardt;
GIST gathering in London;
Allan Tobes--A celebration of life;
A roundup of clinical trials;
Global GIST Network adds new representatives;
Russ South was 67;
Appealing Medicare's Gleevec quantity limits; Award named in memory of Nancy Ann Hughes Welsh.

January 2006 Vol. 7 No. 1

 Click here to see a listing of articles for this issue

Sutent given U.S. approval;
Challenges ahead for the GIST community;
Infinity launches trial of IPI-504 vs. GIST;
Fight GIST and follow your dream;
GIST 101: Cell division and cancer;
Navigating Medicare Prescription Drug Plan D;
Battling fatigue after the holidays;
GIST Resistance strategic plan completed.

December 2005 Vol. 6 No. 9

 Click here to see a listing of articles for this issue

GIST and Gleevec: 5 years of progress;
Brian Rubin: snowboarder to dedicated pathologist;
Prescription health coverage: A tale of different doughnuts;
The youngest Life Rafter shares her advice about coping with cancer;
Cordelia Salas, devoted wife and mother;
Second national contact day for the Life Raft Group Nederlands;
Clinical trial updates as of December 2005.

November 2005 Vol. 6 No. 8

 Click here to see a listing of articles for this issue

A leader in the battle to defeat GIST;
Resistant GIST may fall to new inhibitor;
Sile Bao: Growing up with GIST;
Kids with cancer take the stage at ArtWorks 2005;
Second poker tournament brings in $61,000 for LRG;
Pamphlet on pediatric GIST goes to school;
An overview of CTOS 2005;
ATTENTION: Medicare-eligible Gleevec patients;
Online Q&A from the Life Raft Group;
Thanksgiving Campaign.

September-October 2005 Vol. 6 No. 7

 Click here to see a listing of articles for this issue

First strategic plan to address treatment resistance started;
Meet the LRG Community;
Launching the Global GIST Network;
Life Raft members share medical solutions;
German GIST group new plan of action;
Daniel Wieland was a farmer, dairyman;
Walk for Cure another success;
Dr. Lewis Thorp will be remembered;
LRG Coming Attractions;
LRG Thanksgiving Campaign To Match Challenge Grant;
Roberta Gibson was LRG's first accountant;
Patricia H. Novicki was 77;
Flu Shots;
Clinical trials target resistant GIST

July - August 2005 Vol. 6 No. 6

 Click here to see a listing of articles for this issue

AMN107+Gleevec clinical trial opens Testing will be on just 35 patients at six sites, two of them in the U.S.;
FDA fast-tracks approval process for Sutent;
Overcoming resistance is group’s goal Strategic planning group formed, many of the top GIST researchers sign on;
GIST’ers strike just the right note These three Life Rafters discover healing power, spiritual release in music;
New insights to multi-drug resistance;
Life Rafter has sky-high plans;
Michigan Rafters take to the water;
Patient groups gather in Ireland;
Big turnout at Chicago area meeting;
First Gleevec class marks 5th anniversary;
Life Raft board meets in Chicago;
Register online for GIST research fund’s Oct. 2 Walk for a Cure;
Questions and answers from our members;
Henry Lange Jr., farmer, veteran, outdoorsman, was 69;
Terri Stevens, restaurateur and 15-year GIST survivor;
Daniel Raymond Hoffman, 58, was a decorated veteran

June 2005 Vol. 6 No. 5

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

$2 million pledged for GIST research: Life Raft will use grant from Novartis to focus on resistant tumors;
Young GIST patients find unity, hope Families find strength in numbers, form bonds at pediatric GIST gathering; Advances reported at 2005 ASCO meeting;
Sutent appears headed for approval;
AMG706 active vs. solid tumors;
PKC412+Gleevec: stability for some;
Carol Donnell’s gift: Seeing potential in others;
Jim Boucher was the favorite teacher of many;
Rob Danielson, 54, survived 12 years

April - May 2005 Vol. 6 No. 4

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

Ignorance is bliss, but not about GIST;
Beyond Gleevec: The next-era drugs for GIST;
Pediatric GIST family gathering near;
Progress against GIST inches ahead;
Medical mistakes happen, sometimes in a big way;
Life Rafters gather in Southern California;
Maher Samet of Tunisia, good friend and father;
Alan Fink, 45, loved riding, family and friends.
Life Raft Group directors accept challenge grant;
Nancy Welsh, 37, survived GIST for more than 14 years;
Battle with GIST brought Avraham Anidjar to the U.S.;
In Brief: Gleevec + KRX-0401, AMN107, RAD, Calendar; Gleevec, vitamin C and insulin slows disease;
What does love mean?

March 2005 Vol. 6 No. 3

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

Many drugs coming for Gleevec-resistant GIST;
She knew all was not right but diagnosis took 5 years Joan Marie Hayno has been NED thanks to surgery and Gleevec;
Life Rafters meet in Amsterdam, Prague;
PKC412 fights Gleevec-resistant GIST;
Plans laid for global GIST network;
Life Raft joins European Cancer Patient Coalition;
Druker updates stem cell research;
Life Raft Group calendar of coming events;
GCRF presents first $25,000 gift;
Can you name that country?;
Toledo Daze;
Barry Cushing, distinguished professor, was 59;
Chicago area Life Rafters meet at Wellness Place

February 2005 Vol. 6 No. 2

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

SU11248 works, trial ends 7 months early;
 Fifty-one weeks from diagnosis to remission Gleevec, surgery, family, friends, and prayer key to a new lease on life;
Pediatric GIST families to meet in New York;
Why SU11248 works when Gleevec fails;
Leukemia researchers strive for a cure;
Gastric GIST behaves better than expected;
Arizona group meets despite record rainfall;
Rudi Holzapfel, Irish poet, battled 3½ years;

January 2005 Vol. 6 No. 1

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

Editorial: Time on fire Dying patients can’t get new drugs that could save their lives;
Study: Gleevec levels decrease over time;
Life Raft board of directors adds 12th member;
Rafi Aghababaian, 38, fought GIST for two years;
Fletcher gives Axelrad lecture at CTOS;
Fletcher tells Life Rafters of new type of trial;
Pediatric GIST families mobilize; U.S. agency puts AMG 706 on fast track

November- December 2004 Vol. 5 No. 11

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

Life Raft study presented at CTOS annual meeting: Staring vs. actual dose significant;
Fundraising charges on: GIST Walk tops $90,000 for GIST research, Team LRG Completes New York City Marathon, Poker Tournament nets over $47,000 for Life Raft,
Life Raft Group Second Annual Fundraising Drive Off to Good Start;
Putting Gleevec Tablets in Glycerin Capsules Raises Serious Concerns;
Life Raft Research Team meets with European Researchers;
Life Raft Hosts First Pediatric GIST Conference;
Novartis Scientists Review Status of Drugs in Pipeline;
Chicago LRG Takes On Fundraising Role;
Life Raft in Warsaw for Patient Advocacy Conference;
Life Raft Group at CTOS 2004 Montreal, Canada;
A Review of the Posters and Papers at CTOS;
Das Lebenshaus Visits the Life Raft Group Office

October 2004 Vol. 5 No. 10

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

Life Raft study presented at Life Raft launches annual fund-raiser,
Money needed to fund education, advocacy, research, initiatives;
On board! Meet Silvia Steinhilber, Canada resident, native of Germany, newlywed!;
Novartis to help patients on Medicare Novartis will work with new drug coverage to ensure Gleevec supply;
Dozens attend first national gathering of Dutch Life Raft;
GIST mutation top cause Gleevec failure;
Pamela Bowden was a dancer, figure skater;
John Mabee is survived by his wife of 18 years, four children;
Michigan area Life Rafters hear ‘GIST 101’;
A survival paradigm for GIST;
Thank you from China;
Life Rafter members find solution to Gleevec tablet nausea.

September 2004 Vol. 5 No. 9

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

Life Raft study presented at Glivec at higher doses combats progression Largest study of GIST finds 800 mg. keeps cancer at bay longer;
Running for the Life Raft GIST survivor, friend to join New York marathon and help battle cancer;
Fourth ‘Walk for a Cure’ happens Sunday in New York;
European study confirms LRG findings on relapse;
192-mile bike ride = 1 luminometer;
Life Raft Group Board of Directors will add five members come January; Bernie Kaplan survived by wife, 2 sons, 2 daughters.

August 2004 Vol. 5 No. 8

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

Nobel winner accepts Life Raft Group award - Watson’s co discovery of the structure of DNA provided the foundation for targeted cancer treatment.;
When the patient is a doctor Dr. Arnold Kwart learns what life is like on the other side of the desk;
UK prepares to OK Glivec for GIST;
Her dad’s story: Thriving on life’s lemons;
Pam Barckett knows orphan disease;
Worldwide GIST Calendar;
Hayami-san faced GIST with ‘ganbatte’;
More study needed to determine optimal Gleevec dose;
September Newsletter Coming Attractions;
AMGEN launches phase ll clinical-No placebo;
Dutch Life Rafters plan national gathering;
Carol Berres persisted in life’s journey.

July 2004 Vol. 5 No. 7

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

Hoping for a miracle, preparing for death Michael Matthews fought to survive the time gap between clinical trials;
New drug holds promise for GIST’s sister cancer;
School aids teen’s fight vs. GIST;
Medicare lottery to cover Gleevec, for some;
Error reported adjuvant Gleevec trial;
Dr. Larry Baker addresses Michigan chapter;
Update on new drugs with GIST potential;
Chicago LRG chapter learns of Amgen trial;
Life Raft T-shirts, pins now available;
Life Raft is getting the word out about GIST;
You can bet legislators will never play the Medicare lottery;
GIST’ers join for artist Ellen Mayer’s solo exhibition in NYC;
Lupe Zertuche battled GIST four years.

June 2004 Vol. 5 No. 6

 Click here for a listing of articles in this issue

Cancer experts on GIST Gleevec dosage level is still unresolved at the 40th annual ASCO meet;
GIST patients meet around the world;
What dose Gleevec is best?;
EDITORIAL  - A wish list for keeping GIST patients alive;
Pathologists predict behavior of GIST;
$50,000 awarded to GIST researchers;
L.A. area GIST patients meet July 11.

May 2004 Vol. 5 No. 5

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

GIST patients, experts meet at Life Fest 2004;
Back from the brink When Gleevec fails and options narrow, stress brings on depression;
Vasella awarded Stratton Prize;
Life Raft aids GIST dads worldwide;
Texas area chapter of the Life Raft meets Saturday, June 12;
Pathologists share their data on GIST;
Darlene Vaughan was an early Gleevec success story;
Fourth annual Walk for a Cure set Oct. 10 in Congers, N.Y.;
Sid Locker, 76, was WWII veteran, student counselor;
Life Raft directors focus on resistance at Orlando meeting.

April 2004 Vol. 5 No. 4

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

Meet the top GIST experts at Life Fest;
AACR reports on drugs with GIST possibilities;
Higher doses of Gleevec work best for CML;
Life Rafters meet in San Jose, Costa Rica;
Tentative agenda for Life Fest 2004;
The best part of surgery;
In Memoriam: Curtis Berry, 42, fought GIST three years;
Arthur ‘AD’ Rhea involved with his community.

March 2004 Vol. 5 No. 3

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

Placebo raises stress level of GIST patients;
Final plans under way for Florida ‘Life Fest.’;
Another resource for Chicago area patients;
Pediatric GIST collaboration advances;
Don’t beat cancer — outrun it;
Chicago chapter holds its sixth meeting;
In Memoriam: Dean Gordanier’s talents knew no borders;
Gust Vasiliades, 38, loved art, music and life;
Carolyn Lenkszus battled GIST 11 years;
Wife, two daughters survive Jerry Sidfrid.

February 2004 Vol. 5 No. 2

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

Gleevec vs. GIST trial at 3 years;
Test to predict Gleevec response expands;
Texas area gathering draws 30 Life Rafters;
Artist, musician, filmmaker Donald Kew was 43;
Roy, Margolis team to improve LRG Web site;
Few of our issues are theoretical;
Membership Meeting;
Outreach to Hungary;
Medicare reform struggles on;
PKC412 trial update;
Loyola utilizes team approach to GIST.

January 2004 Vol. 5 No. 1

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

Editorial Placebo use in Pfizer trial simply wrong;
U.S., Germany launch ‘Gleevec combo’ trial;
Little progress with Pfizer over placebo issue;
Texas-area meeting planned Feb. 7 in Dallas;
Tuomas Hemminki, 41, fought GIST three years;
SU11248 clinical trials are beginning;
Chicago’s Evanston aims for excellence;
Pictures; Dr.s Reichardt and Blanke;
At the Jan. 15 meeting with Novartis, the Life Raft Group’s Jerry Call, center, is pictured with Dr. Bin Peng, Ph.D., senior clinical lead pharmacokineticist, and Barbara Kennedy, executive director,
Oncology Scientific Operations;
Tuomas Hemminki shows off his nice catch last July while at the family cottage at Lake Inari.

November/December 2003 Vol. 4 No. 11

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

Placebo use in Pfizer trial raises fears;
Running for dad, and GIST patients worldwide;
Life Raft, Sloan-Kettering to battle pediatric GIST;
Poss, Byrne, Book named to board of directors;
Lowering dose not advised;
Swiss representative has busy fall;
New York Life Rafters meet at Gilda’s Club;
Brockstein speaks of Chicago area group Pictures: Partners against pediatric GIST; 
Lisa Roth,  and sister Lorie Roth Cudzil are seen near the finish line of the Philadelphia Marathon;
Pfizer and Life Raft Group members at the meeting at Pfizer headquarters;
Tom Overley and Norman Scherzer arrive Nov. 11 at Pfizer’s corporate headquarters in NewYork City.;
Pictured at the entrance to in the Life Raft Group office in Wayne, N.J. John Poss, Norm Scherzer, Anita Scherzer, Bob Book, Stan Bunn, Dr. Arnold Kwart, Bernie Kaplan, Dean Gordanier and Allan Tobes.;
Jerry and Lorie Cudzil; Ulrich Schnorff.

October 2003 Vol. 4 No. 10

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

Chicago area patients seek a 'center of excellence';
Progress on fund-raising and many other fronts;
Rain can't dampen record 'Walk for a Cure';
Phase III trial of SU11248: Some questions and concerns;
The doctor had good news and bad news: Bonnie Girard;
Frank Weigand, 66, fought GIST 13 years.
Pictures: Tania Stutman and her grandchildren and friends at the Walk; Life Raft Lunch: Tricia McAleer, Norman Scherzer, Pam Barckett, Steve Rigg, Jim Roy, Bernie Kaplan;
Robert Stutman at the Walk;
Bonnie and Mike Girard; Bonnie Girard and grandchildren;
Frank and Ruth Weigand.

September 2003 Vol. 4 No. 9

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

Symposium to focus solely on GI cancer;
Dear Diary: To the brink and back;
Fund-raising drive planned for Thanksgiving;
First visitors to new Life Raft office are Californians;
Life Raft Group's 'legal team' meets in Boston;
Southern California Life Rafters gather;
Loyola doctors focus on STAT3 signaling;
GIST'ers strike rich friendship at The Nugget;
Walk for a Cure slated Oct. 19 in New York;
Patricia Ford, 48, was a teacher's aide in Polo, III;
Maryann Klein, 56, participated in 3 clinical trials;
Memorial gifts benefit the Life Raft;
Pictures: LRG committee meeting in Detroit,
Ilkka Ovaska and daughter Sirpa,
First visitors at new LRG office,
Southern California Life Rafters,
Fund-raising committee, GIST'ers at The Nugget restaurant in California,
Patricia Ford.

August 2003 Vol. 4 No. 8

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

Sugen offers option when Gleevec fails; 
GIST patients see new clinical trials;
Directory of GIST experts in formation;
Life Rafters hold New Jersey luau;
Global sales of Gleevec up 102% in first half of '03;
Canadian Life Rafters gather at Jordan Station;
Life Raft on the move!;
Friends, family mourn Laura Blanchette, 47;
Cancer boring? Andrea Fuller knows just what will get the juices flowing;
Pictures: Andrea Fuller,
New York Area BBQ,
Canadian Life Rafters.

July 2003 Vol. 4 No. 7

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

Glivec OK'd for GIST in Japan, Israel;
Targets, targeted therapy reports abound at AARC;
Life Raft reach spans the globe;
Dutch Life Rafters gather in Ridderkerk;
LifeLine Pilots: The shortest distance between home and hope;
Life Raft Events; Going global: Each country has a unique bureaucracy;
William Lawson, 56, a lifelong resident of Lafayette.
Pictures: Dutch Life Raft Chapter;
David Josephy;
LRG Dallas BOD Meeting.

June 2003 Vol. 4 No. 6

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

Life Raft at ASCO;
Sugen drug an option if Gleevec fails;
Studies differ over 400 mg. vs. 800 mg.;
Gleevec tablets just as good as capsules;
Life Raft raises research questions (editorial);
Study: GIST can outwit Gleevec four ways;
Test reveals who'll respond to Gleevec;
Story of Gleevec told in "Magic Cancer Bullet"
Pictures: LRG Volunteers at ASCO;
Dr. Michael Heinrich;
Norman & Anita Scherzer with Dan Vasella

May 2003 Vol. 4 No. 5

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

The Life Raft travels to Switzerland;
New drug outwits Gleevec resistance;
OHSU rolls out red carpet for GIST'ers;
Chicago area group gears up for ASCO;
Pictures: LRG members at OHSU;
Dr. Heinrick of OHSU;
LRG Executive Director Norman Scherzer and Dr. Dan Vasella, CEO of Novartis;
LRG members in Switzerland;
The Salas Family in Cancun.

April 2003 Vol. 4 No. 4

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

Relapse survey;
John Weir's story;
Cancer legislation needs support.
Pictures: John Weir;
LRG members at Novartis; John Weir ID;
LRG members in NJ;
relapse data (table);
Kathy and John Weir;
John Weir Day May 7.

March 2003 Vol. 4 No. 3

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

Protein defect linked to GIST;
Sarah's rants and raves;
Access to Cancer Therapies Act;
Stephen Larsen's letter on GIST research needs;
LRG launches relapse survey; .
Pictures: Bob Buch;
Sarah and Bob Buch; Kerrie, Stephen, and William-Grant Larsen;
Dr. Michael Heinrich;
Marina and Keith Symcox;
Representative Pryce; Sarah and Bob Buch in Alaska;
Michael and Mia Byrne fund raising in costume;
Mehreen Hai letter.

February 2003 Vol. 4 No. 2

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

Maura Cesarini "True Love and Cancer";
Life Raft alliance with AFIP;
GIST research and tumor bank;
Chicago LRG chapter meets;
Arizona rafter gathering;
Novartis contact information;
Southern California chapter meeting;
Internet sites with cancer information;
Pictures: Maura Cesarini;
LRG/AFIP meeting;
Maura, Mike, Michaella, and Bella Cesarini;
Chicago chapter meeting;
Dr. Harvey Wolf;
Elaine Rys, Paula Vettel, Gwen Lawson; Billie Baldwin, Dick Kinzig, Eleanor Lewis, Darlene Vaughan;
Califonia meeting.

January 2003 Vol. 4 No. 1

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

Alan Fink autobio article;
LRG annual report;
OHSU and GIST;
Canadian Life Rafters gather;
Davises visit LRG office;
Kathy Colwell autobio article;
Chapter meeting plans;
Cynthia Whitson and Kathy Colwell obituaries;
Pictures: Alan Fink on bicycle,
Norman Scherzer,
Alan Fink at ground zero in NYC,
Alan Fink on his Harley,
Canadian meeting (Sheila and Al Murphy,
Jeannette Scobie, Lee Cousins, Linda Hampson), Terry and Claire Davis with Norman at the office;
Kathy Colwell, Cynthia Whitson at the LRG meeting in Boston.

December 2002 Vol. 3 No. 11

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

Mel Heller at 80;
Sugen drug shrinks tumors in 25% of patients;
GIST more common than thought;
Life Raft raising funds to match Novartis grant;
Michigan and Illinois area meetings planned;
Howard Delapenha obituary;
Pictures: Irmgard and Mel Heller, Scherzer, Bunn, Mel and Irmgard Heller (2).

November 2002 Vol. 3 No. 10

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

Connective Tissue Oncology Meeting in San Francisco;
Max Foundation provides Gleevec outside North America;
Glivec/chemo combinations;
Bernie Kaplan;
Fishing in the Amazon (John Poss);
Nora Shaulis obituary;
Pictures: Norman Scherzer at CTOS;
Bernie and Bracha Kaplan with Dan Vasella;
John Poss fishing in the Amazon;
David and Nora Shaulis;
Elsie Hernandez and Michael Josephy.

October 2002 Vol. 3 No. 9

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

Terry Jennings' story; new Life Raft office opens in NJ;
Medicare coverage of Gleevec unlikely;
Life Rafter meeting in Arizona;
Pictures: the Jennings family;
Tricia McAleer; Matthew Mattioli; James Roy;
Arizona gathering.

September 2002 Vol. 3 No. 8

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

London GIST meeting, resistance grows?, antibody tests suspect in some cases;
David Cook new LRG coordinator for UK;
Rodrigo Salas and Ulrich Schnorf join board;
Second GIST WALK for a Cure (Tania);
Michael Byrne, the world's healthiest GIST patient;
Illinois chapter of LRG first meeting;
Christian LRG member sub-group;
In Memoriam.
Pictures: Tania and Robert Stutman's grandchildren;
Tania's GIST walk;
Michael, Mia, and Matthew Byrne;
Michael Byrne "Number 571";
Southern California Life Rafters;
Illinois chapter; Dick Kinzig and Margo Shoup.

July/August 2002 Vol. 3 No. 7

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

Team FLAMES rides the Pan-Mass Challenge once again;
Novartis donates $250,000 to the Life Raft Group;
President's message from Stan Bunn;
Carol Berres' journey to hope;
Todd Hendrickson obituary;
Science Team report: KIT still primary therapy target;
Life Raft organizational changes.
Pictures: Norman and Anita Scherzer with Dan Vasella;
Carol Berres;
Joan Canniff and Gary Golnik;
Todd, Janet, Tyler, Max, and T.J. Hendrickson;
Stan and William Bunn.

June 2002 Vol. 3 No. 6

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

UK board denies Gleevec due to costs;
Gleevec approved for GIST in Europe;
Novartis wins Galien Proze for Gleevec;
Dave Cook's story;
Jerry Rylant and Jill Meyer obituaries;
Tuomas and the T-shirt;
LRG financial report.
Pictures: Cordelia and Dan Vasella,
Dave, Irene and Laura Cook,
Ana Maria Baldor-Bunn,
Tuomas models the T-shirt.

May 2002 Vol. 3 No. 5

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

May meeting photos and stories;
ASCO conference in Florida;
Marina Symcox and Dan Vasella;
LRG organizational meeting;
Novartis/DFCI Q & A; LRG candle ceremony.

Apr 2002 Vol. 3 No. 4

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

Combined Gleevec/surgery trial;
SU011248 testing begins;
Boston gathering notes;
Ana Baldor-Bunn, Mary Golnik, Jacob Waller, George Wolf obituaries;
Laura, Ben and Jacob Cooley;
Marina Symcox's journey from hospice to home;
Novartis facts.

Mar 2002 Vol. 3 No. 3

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

Medicare Coverage of Gleevec sought;
Boston meeting agenda and article;
Harris poll results on Medicare coverage of oral cancer drugs;
Dave Blender the "bread man".
Pictured: Life Rafters meet in Toronto;
Dave and Aaron;
Tuomas and Dr. Joensuu;
Life Rafters meet at DFCI.

Feb 2002 Vol. 3 No. 2

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

U.S. OK's Gleevec for GIST;
Life Raft gathering set May 3-4 in Boston;
Demetri: Gleevec a "global collaboration";
Montague friends give $2,600 to Life Raft Group;
Life Rafters remembered during visit to Holy Land;
Robert Carr, Robert Lecca obituaries;
Pictured: Lunch at Scherzer's home;
meeting in Ontario, Canada;
Richard and Cindy.

Jan 2002 Vol. 3 No. 1

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

Life Raft's Carl Banker carries Olympic flame;
Gleevec on way to being No. 1 treatment for CML;
Developer of Gleevec carries Olympic torch;
Pictured: Life Rafters Rob, Laura,
the Byrnes, Penny, Elsie and Michael.

Dec 2001 Vol. 2 No. 11

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

Lobbying sought for Medicare reform;
Legislators who support Medicare coverage;
Meeting of minds at Dana-Farber;
Marina Symcox: A tale of five Decembers;
Pictured: Ronna and Dan in NYC,
Tuomas in Finland;
Bruce Gunn obituary.

Nov 2001 Vol. 2 No. 10

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

Novartis seeks U.S. OK to use Gleevec for GIST;
From the editor: Silver lining in the cloud of cancer;
Life Raft survey draws Novartis interest;
Glivec approved in Europe for CML;
FLAMES excel in Pan-Mass Challenge;
New drug offers hope for Marcel Szyszkowski;
Pictured: Silver anniversary,
Life Rafters in Portland,
Vince in Egypt,
Michael and Matthew.

Oct 2001 Vol. 2 No. 9

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

Special Side Effect Survey issue;
GIST walk raises $23,000+ fund nears $40,000;
Life Raft patients report fatigue is top side effect.

Sep 2001 Vol. 2 No. 8

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

Side effects surgery goal near as deadline looms;
GIST walk set Sept. 16 in New York state;
Glivec moves closer to European approval;
Ehud Nehemya, Jeffrey Prichard, Ron G. Martinez obituaries;
Pictured: GIST survivor Henry Lange Jr.,
Anita Scherzer then and now.

Jul/Aug 2001 Vol. 2 No. 7

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

GIST researcher Blanke share "our" Gleevec experience;
Oral cancer medication legislation wins support;
Pictured: Life Rafters on top of Miss Liberty, snorkeling in Hawaii.

Jun 2001 Vol. 2 No. 6

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

Life Raft patients share responses, side effects;
ACOR starts lobbying for Medicare coverage;
Life Rafters gather in New York City;
Coordinator's column: GIST has become a chronic disease;
Novartis researcher honored for work on Gleevec;
Amy Barney, Jim Perham obituaries.

May 2001 Vol. 2 No. 5

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

Gleevec OK'd by FDA for leukemia;
Law drafted to change Medicare's anti-oral drug policy;
"Off label" use worries Gleevec researchers;
Novartis ships Gleevec within 24 hours of FDA approval;
Journal reports on clinical trial patient No. 1;
Pictured: Ehud and Ophir, "Crazy Canucks."

Apr 2001 Vol. 2 No. 4

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

Novartis CEO Daniel Vasella: Glivec should clear hurdles;
Dr. George Demetri: Real progress with real people, thanks to the global community;
Survey: Gender plays a role in side effects;
STI-5711/GIST trials at 200+ U.S. hospitals;
Pictured: Life Rafters at OHSU in Portland, Dana-Farber in Boston.

Mar 2001 Vol. 2 No. 3

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

Novartis seeks approval of Glivec worldwide;
Notes on STI571 from leukemia group at OHSU;
LRG Coordinator's reflections;
Todd Hendrickson, Life Rafter with a lot to live for;
Jim Ackerman obituary.

Feb 2001 Vol. 2 No. 2

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

Survey of Life Raft Group members reveals high response rate;
Forbes' Magazine's on how STI571 was fast-tracked;
New trial sites;
Life Rafter Michael Byrne skis!

Jan 2001 Vol. 2 No. 1

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

Dr. Brian Druker, developer of STI571, offers end-of-the-year thoughts;
STI571 trials expand into third phase;
Glivec resistance a concern but optimism prevails.

Dec 2000 Vol. 1 No. 2

 Click here for a listing of articles for this issue

Glivec, new name for STI571;
Dosage and response rate;
Interesting Web site;
Life Raft symptom survey, news in brief;
Kinases chart.

Nov 2000 Vol. 1 No. 1

The first issue of the newsletter is not available.