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.
Other Programs Supported by 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.
Update your Patient Registry Info.
Join The Life Raft Group.
Current GIST Clinical Trials.
Search the GIST Specialist Database.
Dr. Monica Anderson
Diagnosed in 2012 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.
News
Highlights from the Updates from ASCO Webinar
Learn about the latest GIST research from ASCO 2026, including updates on two promising clinical trials exploring new strategies to treat advanced GIST and address treatment resistance.
Living Well with Sarcoma – Exercise & Nutrition
Discover practical nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management strategies to help improve quality of life while living with sarcoma.
Getting Involved in a Clinical Trial for GIST
Learn how clinical trials help improve GIST care and why exploring them early can be an important part of your treatment journey.
Are You Ready for a New Patient Registry?
The Life Raft Group launches a new, updated Patient Registry platform this July at Life Fest in Nashville on July 12. Are you ready?
Cogent Biosciences Welcomes Patient Advocates in Colorado
Executive Director Sara Rothschild visited the Cogent Biosciences labs in Colorado with other patient advocates in June.
Pediatric SDH-Deficient GIST Clinic at the NIH
Patients and leading specialists came together at the 2026 NIH SDH and Ultra Rare GIST Clinic to advance knowledge and improve care for GIST.
Patient of the Month – June 2026: Jodi Bachand
Each member has a unique story, but all reflect the intrinsic courage of one facing the challenge of GIST. Jodi Bachand shares her story.
From Patient Registry to a International Scientific Conference
Our study on NF1-associated gastrointestinal stromal tumors was accepted for presentation at ASCO this year - this milestones highlights the power of patient registries.
Keep up with the latest news, events, and opportunities to help.
To contact The Life Raft Group, please call 973-837-9092
PARTNERS & AFFILIATIONS
