In our monthly patient and caregiver stories, we share our community’s stories because each GIST journey matters. Your experiences as a rare disease patient or caregiver create a tapestry of strength, resilience, and shared understanding. By sharing, you not only break the chains of isolation but become a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges. Together, these collective narratives shape a powerful force that drives awareness, research, and advocacy. Your voice matters, and by sharing your story, you contribute to building a stronger, more connected, and empowered rare disease community. Help others realize that even though they battle a rare disease & that each GIST case is unique, they are not alone.
Our Patient of the Month for October is Christine Errigo.
My GISTory – KIT Exon 11 and 13
Christine, Pennsylvania
In May 2023 I went to the emergency room with abdominal pain and discomfort. After CT scans, I was diagnosed with what doctors believed was ovarian cancer. My tumor was large and I was told it needed to be removed. After receiving multiple blood transfusions, I underwent surgery to remove the tumor which was full of blood, and a complete hysterectomy.
That same month, my life took another unexpected turn. I learned that I did not have ovarian cancer. My tumor was actually a GIST (gastrointestinal stromal tumor), a rare cancer that I had never even heard of.
Everything changed. I couldn't work, my body changed, and I went from being someone who regularly worked out to having to rebuild my endurance just to walk again.
Throughout this journey, I learned how important it is to advocate for yourself. I sought a second opinion and changed health systems to find the specialized care I needed. During the transition, there was a lapse in treatment, and by my next CT scan, tumors had appeared. It was unclear whether all the tumors had been removed during my first surgery, as my surgeon had not been looking for GIST.
I resumed treatment, and initially, the tumors shrank. But eventually, the medication stopped working, and the tumors began growing again. I refused to give up. I continued searching for answers and ultimately found a surgeon at the NIH. In October 2025, I underwent another major surgery to remove two tumors. Unexpectedly, 20 smaller, previously undetected tumors were found and resected. A new mutation was found from the biopsy.
Now, here I am in October 2026. One year later, I am celebrating one year without active disease!
How I cope with GIST
Living with GIST has changed my life in ways I never expected. It has challenged me physically and emotionally. Also, it has also taught me resilience, the importance of speaking up for myself, and the value of finding doctors who understand this rare disease.
My advice to fellow GISTers
I share my story because GIST awareness matters. The Life Raft Group has been an integral part of my journey. Rare cancers can be difficult to diagnose, and having the right information, specialized care, and support can make a difference. If my story encourages even one person to ask questions, seek a second opinion, or advocate for themselves, then sharing is worth it.
Hobbies I enjoy
I enjoy spending time and traveling with my family, especially my son Daniel, and my nephew William. Going to concerts and discovering new coffee shops. I have also worked out with the same group of friends for over 10 years and recently we started traveling yearly together. It is important to make time for the people and activities I love.
My #GISTLife Motto
A quote that is meaningful to me:
"I am not defined by what I have been through; I am defined by the strength I found within myself to keep moving forward."
My journey with GIST is not over, but today I celebrate how far I have come. One year without active disease. One year I will never take for granted.
Learn more about the LRG Patient Registry!
If you want to be our LRG Patient of the Month or Caregiver of the Month, please see the criteria below.
Criteria for Patient of the Month
- Patient must be a member of the LRG GIST Patient Registry
- Patient is an active member of the Patient Registry, continually providing medical updates
- Patient’s record should be at least 80% up-to-date
- Patient has GIST Patient Registry Online
- Patient must agree to provide consent to share his/her story to our GIST community on our website and social media
Criteria for Caregiver of the Month
Caregivers are an important team of family and friends. They allow a patient to depend on them for support through their difficult journey as well as help with various tasks such as cooking, housekeeping, transportation and so much more. In conjunction with Life Raft Group’s Patient of the Month, we are showcasing Caregivers of the Month. We want to hear stories of the selfless supporters that stand beside our GIST warriors.
Interested? Contact our Data Mgmt. & Research Team, for more information: patientregistrydepartment@liferaftgroup.org
