The Life Raft Group is committed to enhancing the survival and quality of life for people living with Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST), and other rare diseases, through patient-powered research, education and empowerment, and global advocacy efforts.
Additional Programs of The Life Raft Group:
PATIENT
Leverage patient perspective to drive innovative solutions in cancer research.
POWERED
Educate and empower patients to take a larger role in their care.
SCIENCE
Accelerate research outcomes through collaborative efforts.
FOR LIFE
Increase access to effective treatments worldwide.
Real World Evidence In Action
Traditional models for cancer research have resulted in many breakthrough treatments for patients, but it is not enough. The LRG’s approach to GIST research through real world evidence, relies on timely, accurate data from the patient’s perspective, with patient survival as the primary objective.
RECENT LRG DATA
Did you know that GIST is actually a family of cancers? Learn more about the science of GIST.
Dr. Monica Anderson
Diagnosed in 2012 with Adult GIST.
Marc Wasserman
Diagnosed in 2006 with Adult GIST.
Bella Rocco
Diagnosed in 2009 with Pediatric
(SDH-deficient) GIST.
HELP US SAVE LIVES
The Life Raft Group is a community and it is up to all of us to make a difference. There are many ways to help. We always need patient tissue and data in our GIST patient registry. Volunteering your time or making a monetary donation also helps us drive research forward and save lives.
The Life Raft Group Launches New Liposarcoma Support Network
The Life Raft Group Launches New Liposarcoma Support Network for Patients & Caregivers.
Patient of the Month – September 2024: Susan Franze
Each member has a unique story, but all reflect the intrinsic courage of one facing the challenge of GIST. Susan Franze shares her story.
Annual Bigman & Etzi Memorial Tailgate Raises Funds for The Life Raft Group
The family and friends of late LRG Board member Eric Biegansky. Eric's wife, Jill, and his kids, Ryan and Emma, along with dozens of Eric's friends gathered for a fundraiser in his memory.
New SDH Tissue Testing Collaboration with NIH & UCSD
The LRG is partnering with the NIH and UCSD to create the first ever tumor biobank in the U.S. focused specifically on SDH-deficient GIST.
GIST DO IT Walk Gallery 2024
GIST DO IT Walk was held at Life Fest 2024 in San Jose to raise GIST Awareness and honor the memory of GISTer Ted Wolf.
Patient of the Month – August 2024: Paul Britton
Each member has a unique story, but all reflect the intrinsic courage of one facing the challenge of GIST. Paul Britton shares his story.
Life Fest 2024 Gallery
Featured photos from Life Fest 2024 held in San José, California.
Patient of the Month – July 2024: Tom Tiefert
Each member has a unique story, but all reflect the intrinsic courage of one facing the challenge of GIST. Tom Tiefert shares his story.
GLOBAL PARTNERS
