20/20 Challenge 2022 logo

Celebrating 20 Years / Raising $20K

The Life Raft Group is celebrating 20 years as a non-profit! Our rich legacy is built on stories of patient survival, research breakthroughs, and support for our global GIST Community. As part of our 2022 “It’s Time to Tell the Stories” theme, we are committed to raising $20,000 by Life Fest New Orleans (July 29-31st) with this 20/20 Challenge.

Patients & caregivers shared hundreds of inspiring stories over the years. Many of these can be found on our website, but for this campaign we will spotlight three stories that exemplify our mission to enhance survival and quality of life for people living with GIST through patient-powered research, education and empowerment, and global advocacy efforts.

GIST patients around the world count on the LRG for information, contacts, and programs like our Virtual Tumor Boards for their survival. Donate to the 20/20 Challenge today so that we can continue helping patients around the globe to survive and thrive. Your donations will help stories of survival to continue for years to come.

donate button 20 20 Challenge

Donations for this campaign will be matched up to $10K
by select major donors & LRG Board Members.

JULY 8, 2022

“All I wanted was to feel better.” – Maria

Maria's Story - 20-20 Challenge 2022In April of 2020, at the height of the global pandemic, we were contacted by a young mother in Ireland whose seven-year-old daughter Maria was diagnosed with GIST. Maria’s primary treatment team suggested an operation that would be severely life-altering for this young girl. Maria’s mom contacted The Life Raft Group.

Maria & her mom Jen share their story about this intervention in this video:

Maria's Story - 20-20 Challenge 2022

JUNE 24, 2022

“I’m looking forward to enjoying my life & watching my grandchildren grow up”- Karen Meyers

Karen Meyer, Patient AdvocateActor, singer & patient advocate, Karen Meyers, spent years professionally as an advocate for developmentally disabled individuals and knows the true value of advocacy. Several years ago she needed to be an avid advocate for herself when challenged with a cancer diagnosis. Donate today and help others become advocates for their own health and treatment.

Karen shares her compelling GIST Story in this video:

Karen Meyers video image 20/20

MAY 27, 2022:

“Dance Anyway”- Josalin Dunn

Josalin Dunn Now 20-20 ChallengeJosalin came to us as one of our earliest pediatric patients at age seven. She has continued to be an active part of the LRG community.

One of her favorite phrases among friends and family is, “If you’re having a really bad day and you found out you have cancer, dance anyway!”

Today, Josalin remains an inspiration, reminding us not only of our dedication to our youngest patients through the Pediatric & SDH-Deficient GIST Consortium, but also of the power of a young woman’s dedication to “Dance Anyway” through the obstacles of life.

Hear Josalin speak about her GIST story in this video:

Josalin Dunn Video image 20-20

The Life Raft Group is committed to patients like Josalin, who are living with GIST from young age, providing support, education, advocacy and research. Donate today in honor of Josalin and all the courageous young people with this rare subset of GIST. You can also meet Josalin in-person at Life Fest New Orleans in July!