On Saturday, September 13th, The Life Raft Group hosted its most recent GIST Day of Learning (GDOL) at the UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center. Deputy Director Laura Occhiuzzi and Senior Vice President Rachel LoCurto traveled to Los Angeles to join more than 50 patients, caregivers, and experts for a powerful day of learning and connection.
For many attendees, this was their very first GDOL. What stood out most was how many people shared that they had heard about the event directly from their oncology teams—a reminder of how vital it is to keep building bridges between the medical community and patients.
The day’s agenda reflected a commitment to education and support, featuring leading voices in the field:
- Overview & Treatment Options for GIST – Arun Singh, MD (UCLA Health)
- Adjuvant Therapy for GIST – Mark Agulnik, MD (Keck Medicine of USC)
- ctDNA for GIST – Bartosz Chmielowski, MD, PhD (UCLA Health)
- Surgery for GIST – Fritz Eilber, MD (UCLA Health)
- Laparoscope Approaches to GIST – Brian E. Kadera, MD (UCLA Health)
- New Approaches/Trials – Michael C. Heinrich, MD (Oregon Health & Science University, Knight Cancer Institute)
- Tumor Board Panel Session with Drs. Agulnik, Burkenroad, Chmielowski, Eilber, Heinrich, Kadera, and Singh
- SDH GIST – Michael C. Heinrich, MD (Oregon Health & Science University, Knight Cancer Institute)
- Symptom Management for GIST Patients – Samantha Thomas, RN (UCLA Medical Center)
The Life Raft Group is especially grateful to Dr. Arun Singh, who organized the program, and to all of the physicians who gave up their Saturday to share their expertise and compassion.
Yet beyond the presentations, some of the most meaningful moments came during the breaks and side conversations. Patients and caregivers connected, swapped stories, shared advice, and found hope in each other’s journeys. Those conversations were every bit as powerful as the medical information shared from the stage.
The UCLA GDOL was more than just an educational event—it was a reminder of the strength that comes from community. It was a day filled with learning, connection, and hope, and the Life Raft Group is deeply grateful to everyone who made it possible.
