The LRG Athletes program brings together individuals who use personal fitness goals and endurance challenges to raise awareness and support for the GIST community. Every mile completed by an LRG Athlete represents strength, determination, and a shared commitment to helping patients and families impacted by GIST. This year, two members of the LRG community reached inspiring milestones through races that carried meaning far beyond the finish line. The LRG Athletes program brings together individuals who use personal fitness goals and endurance challenges to raise awareness and support for the GIST community. Every accomplishment completed by an LRG Athlete represents strength, determination, and a shared commitment to helping patients and families impacted by GIST. This year so far, two members of the LRG community reached inspiring milestones through races that carried meaning far beyond the finish line.

Toni Pauwels Runs Her Second Marathon as an LRG Athlete

LRG Staffer Toni Pauwels completed her second marathon as an LRG Athlete, making it an especially meaningful milestone. As a Data Management & Research Manager at The Life Raft Group, Toni works behind the scenes and directly with families affected by GIST, helping patients and caregivers find answers, access resources, and feel supported through some of the hardest moments of their lives. Her work goes far beyond administration, it is deeply personal, and it is one of the main reasons she is inspired to run for the GIST community.

For Toni, running has become more than a sport. It has become a way to turn purpose into action. She has shared that running helps her manage stress and stay grounded, while also giving her the opportunity to raise awareness for a rare cancer that many people have never heard of until it touches their lives. Each step on race day reflected the resilience she sees in the GIST community every day.

Completing 26.2 miles is never easy but doing it for a second time as an LRG Athlete shows her determination. She was not simply chasing a finish line, she was honoring the strength of the patients she speaks with, the caregivers she checks in on, and the community she serves with heart every single day.

Thank you, Toni, for turning your personal goal into something that inspires so many others. Your dedication on and off the course continues to make a difference. And thank you to everyone who donated and showed support for Toni’s journey.

Edoardo Leone Delivers an Inspiring Performance at IRONMAN 70.3 Chattanooga

LRG Athlete Edoardo Leone delivered an inspiring performance at the Race IRONMAN 70.3 Chattanooga, earning a P8 finish in just his third professional race. Competing on a challenging course marked by steep hills and intense heat, Edoardo described the race as an important milestone in his journey as a professional athlete and a reminder that hard work and sacrifice continue to pay off.

Beyond the finish line, this race carried a deeper meaning. Edoardo chose to dedicate his performance to supporting The Life Raft Group in honor of a friend living with GIST. Through the encouragement of his supporters and community, nearly $2,000 was raised to help advance research and patient support efforts.

Thank you Edoardo for sharing your story and supporting the GIST community. Your dedication, both as an athlete and advocate, continues to inspire others and reflects the powerful impact that personal connections and community support can make. Thank you to all who supported his efforts!

You can be an LRG Athlete and let your journey fuel hope for others! Learn more here.