Hosted by the The Life Raft Group, “What We Wish We Knew: Advice from Long-Term GIST Survivors” will take place on April 13 at 12 PM ET and features long-term survivors and mentors Kay Stolzer, Dr. John Abrams, Martha Smart, and Piga Fernández. They’ll share what to do after a GIST diagnosis, common mistakes to avoid, and what it’s really like to live with cancer long-term. Join us for practical advice, honest insights, and support from people who have been there.
These webinars are for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any treatment or lifestyle changes.
About Our Presenters:
Dr. John Abrams
John Abrams has been involved with The Life Raft Group for over eight years and is the state leader for Colorado. He serves as a LRG Board Member and GIST mentor. He practiced dentistry for 35 years with an area of expertise in adult restorative dentistry highlighting esthetic restorations. He was honored by his peers as a Colorado 5280 Top Dentist. John retired from dentistry due to the side effects of Gleevec. In his “retirement” he is an equity partner in real estate investment and serves as a consultant for dental offices focusing on management and clinical skills.
John grew up in St. Louis and has lived in Colorado since 1975. He graduated from Miami University (Oxford Ohio) and the University of Missouri School of Dentistry.
As a long time GISTer and survivor of two other primary cancers, John hopes his story can be at least some inspiration to others on their own journey.
Piga Fernández
As a GIST patient who was diagnosed incorrectly in 1995 with leiomyosarcoma, Piga Fernández understands the importance of correct diagnosis and access to treatment. Piga serves as a GIST Mentor and Global Relations Consultant for The Life Raft Group.
In 2001, she founded and is the Executive Director of Fundación GIST Chile, a nonprofit organization dedicated to support GIST and other gastrointestinal patients through education, information, emotional support and advocacy, with the goal of having them experience a better quality of life.
Additionally, she is the Coordinator of Alianza GIST, a consortium of GIST groups in Latin America. Her advocacy efforts in Chile have led to important changes in her country, impacting both legislative change and raising awareness for rare diseases.
Martha Smart
Martha Smart is a 19-year survivor of high-risk small bowel GIST (12 cm, Exon 11) and has been on Gleevec since her diagnosis in 2007. A former speech pathologist based in Midland, Texas, she is a proud mom, grandmother (“NeeNee”), dog mom, and devoted wife of over 53 years.
Her diagnosis came as a complete shock following emergency surgery, prompting her to take an active role in her care and seek treatment at MD Anderson. Since then, she has taken more than 27,000 Gleevec tablets and become deeply connected to the GIST community through The Life Raft Group and other networks.
With humor, resilience, and compassion, she is passionate about sharing her experience to support and guide others living with GIST.
Kay Stolzer
Kay Stolzer joined the LRG Board in March 2021 and was elected to the role of Secretary/Treasurer in March 2022.
She has been a very active volunteer in our LRG community. Kay is one of the original 8 GIST Mentors, a program that has grown to 32 global mentors, and has mentored over 220 patients and caregivers, since its inception in 2019.
In Kay’s earlier life, she was an administrator for a large physicians’ group. When her children were born, she transitioned to full time homemaker, and was a very active volunteer in her community, in various roles and organizations. Kay enjoys spending time with her husband, Ira, and visiting their children and grandchildren in New Jersey and Tennessee.
