We Love Our Donors – A letter from Norman Scherzer
We love our donors! All we need is LOVE Over the last 16 years, we have worked toward increasing patient survival and ensuring a better quality of life for GIST survivors. I [...]
Countdown to Rare Disease Day 2017
Rare Disease Day is celebrated on the last day of February each year. The day is celebrated in order to bring attention to the general public and decision makers about rare diseases and how [...]
Life Raft Group Hosts Open House for Local Members
On Sunday, December 4, 2016, The Life Raft Group hosted an Open House to introduce members to staff and provide a tour of our newly renovated facilities. Over brunch, attendees mingled and got to [...]
Cancerversary – Martha Zielinski – 14 years
On January 14, 2003 when I had surgery to remove my GIST I never dreamed I would still be here 14 years later! So little was known about this cancer, at that point the [...]
Cancerversary – Kimberly Glass – 10 years
I celebrate my ten-year “cancerversary” on January 31st. I can’t believe it’s been 10 years! I will celebrate by spending some intentional time with my family, including my beautiful 16 month-old daughter, Katelyn. My [...]
In Memoriam: Barry Hawkins, Courageous Fighter
Barry Hawkins with his sister, Sally Hawkins Barry Hawkins, age 46 Of St. Paul Passed away peacefully August 13, 2016 at home in St. Paul, surrounded by his parents and siblings. Barry [...]
Welcome to Steve Pontell, the LRG’s New Volunteer Attorney
The LRG is proud to welcome Steve Pontell, Esq. who has joined the LRG team as our volunteer attorney. Mr. Pontell is a member of the firm of Verde, Steinberg & Pontell, LLC, established [...]
Help MaKayla Realize Her Dream: Donate to double patient survival
MaKayla Evens help kick off our holiday campaign. MaKayla Evans was diagnosed with Wild Type GIST in 2011, when she was 14 years old. She wanted to speak knowledgeably with her doctors [...]
Living a Life of Dignity and Hope: Henzo Kenya
Henzo Kenya is a patient support group made up of CML, GIST and recently added osteosarcoma patients. The need to support each other as patients inspired the great idea that is Henzo Kenya. Henzo [...]
A Year in Review: 2016 Executive Director’s Report
Norman Scherzer, Executive Director The Life Raft Group at its core is a love story—a love shared between a husband and wife, a mother and daughter, a brother, a sister, parents, grandparents [...]