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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260530T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260530T130000
DTSTAMP:20260430T145715Z
CREATED:20260424T124559Z
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UID:10001641-1780146000-1780146000@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:Understanding GIST/Role of Clinical Trials
DESCRIPTION:REGISTERGIST Sarcoma Life Raft Group Canada is holding an Online Only event on\nSaturday May 30th\, 2026 at 1:00pm. \n We will be sharing our perspective on Understanding GIST and The Role of Clinical Trials.\n \nWe will be presenting an updated GIST 101 with David Josephy.  We will also be reviewing how to navigate the Clinical Trials website and when to consider a trial with Gabriel Melkonian. We will also hear from our member – Robert Kirschman who has participated in clinical trials during his journey to share his experience.
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/gist-clinical-trials-lrg-canada/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events,Webcast
ORGANIZER;CN="GIST Sarcoma Life Raft Group Canada":MAILTO:yvonne.nunnaro@liferaftgroup.ca
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260601T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260601T120000
DTSTAMP:20260514T144521Z
CREATED:20260505T175855Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T144521Z
UID:10001653-1780315200-1780315200@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:Expert Nutrition & Exercise Advice
DESCRIPTION:REGISTERHosted by The Life Raft Group\, join us in honor of National Cancer Survivors Month for an empowering and informative webinar\, “Expert Nutrition & Exercise Advice for Sarcoma Patients” taking place on June 1st at 12 PM ET. \nThis special session will feature Dr. Loren Yavelberg\, Post-Doctoral Associate\, CEP\, ACSM-ACS Exercise Oncology Specialist\, and Dr. Harleen Kaur\, a behavioral scientist with a PhD in Nutrition Sciences\, both from the University of Miami. \nTogether\, they will share practical\, evidence-based guidance on how to support your body through every stage of the cancer journey. From preparing for surgery to rebuilding strength afterward\, the discussion will explore the role of nutrition\, physical activity\, and overall wellness in cancer care. You’ll learn about different dietary approaches\, exercise programs\, and what current research says about their impact. \nWhether you’re newly diagnosed\, in treatment\, or navigating survivorship\, this webinar will provide tools and insights to help you feel stronger\, more informed\, and supported. A Q&A session will follow the presentations. \nThese 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. \nAbout Our Presenters:\n \nDr. Loren Yavelberg\nUniversity of Miami\n \nDr. Loren Yavelberg is an exercise physiologist with a PhD in Applied Cardiopulmonary Physiology whose research focuses on exercise oncology\, lifestyle medicine\, and supportive care interventions across the cancer continuum. His work integrates clinical trials\, community-based programming\, and behavioral strategies to improve treatment tolerance and patient outcomes. \n \nDr. Harleen Kaur\nUniversity of Miami\n \nDr. Harleen Kaur is a behavioral scientist with a PhD in Nutrition Sciences from the University of Alabama at Birmingham\, where she was supported by the T32 Cancer Prevention and Control Training Program at O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center. She is currently supported by the T32 Training to Reduce Burden across the Cancer Control Continuum Multidisciplinary Program at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center\, where she is advancing her training in lifestyle medicine and oncology research. Her research focuses on the design\, implementation\, and evaluation of multibehavior diet and physical activity interventions during active cancer treatment and survivorship. Her work aims to advance precision lifestyle medicine through scalable\, digitally supported behavioral strategies\, leveraging digital technologies to expand reach and incorporating artificial intelligence to enhance personalization. \nThank You to Our Sponsors:
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/nutrition-exercise-advice-for-sarcoma-patients/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events,Webcast
ORGANIZER;CN="Rebecca Pauley":MAILTO:rpauley@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260607
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260608
DTSTAMP:20260505T144748Z
CREATED:20260325T150949Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260505T144748Z
UID:10001639-1780790400-1780876799@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:National Cancer Survivors Day
DESCRIPTION:June 7th is National Cancer Survivors Day.
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/national-cancer-survivors-day/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260617T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260617T130000
DTSTAMP:20260707T160557Z
CREATED:20260529T161111Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260707T160557Z
UID:10001656-1781701200-1781701200@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:GIST Updates from ASCO 2026
DESCRIPTION:REGISTERASCO (American Society of Clinical Oncology) is an important conference in the oncology community where new scientific research updates are shared. The Life Raft Group is excited to partner with Hirotaka Miyashita\, MD PhD of UC San Diego Health\, who will summarize abstracts and presentations that were presented during this conference that are relevant to the GIST patient community. Join us June 17th at 1pm for this virtual presentation. A Q&A session will follow the presentation. \nThese 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. \nAbout Our Presenter:\n \nDr. Hirotaka Miyashita\nUCSD Moores Cancer Center\n \nHirotaka Miyashita\, MD\, PhD\, is a board-certified medical oncologist who specializes in treating patients with sarcomas\, including rare and complex soft tissue and bone tumors. He is co-leader of the Sarcoma Disease Team at Moores Cancer Center\, and also leads and participates in biomarker-driven early-phase clinical trials to bring innovative therapies to patients across cancer types. \nDr. Miyashita prioritizes shared decision-making\, empowering his patients to make choices aligned with their goals and values. In caring for patients with sarcomas\, rare and complex cancers that often require individualized care\, he finds his work most rewarding when he can help patients live fulfilling lives with treatment plans that reflect their priorities and values. \nWith training in bioinformatics\, he leverages his expertise to integrate and analyze complex biomedical data in support of precision oncology and translational cancer research. He has published multiple articles on clinical oncology and has experience designing and conducting early-phase clinical trials. He is a strong advocate for community-oriented\, patient-centered clinical trials\, aiming to improve access and equity in cancer research. \nDr. Miyashita completed a hematology/oncology fellowship at Dartmouth Cancer Center as well as a clinical pharmacology fellowship at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. He completed a residency in internal medicine at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (Beth Israel) and a residency in general medicine at the University of Tokyo Hospital in Japan. He also has a PhD in bioinformatics from University of Tsukuba in Japan. \nHe is a member of multiple national and international professional societies\, including the American Society of Clinical Oncology\, the Connective Tissue Oncology Society\, and the SWOG Sarcoma Working Group. Dr. Miyashita is board certified in internal medicine and medical oncology. \nThank You to Our Sponsors:
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/gist-updates-from-asco-2026/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events,Webcast
ORGANIZER;CN="Rebecca Pauley":MAILTO:rpauley@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260710T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260712T120000
DTSTAMP:20260702T150458Z
CREATED:20250617T191752Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260702T150458Z
UID:10000827-1783695600-1783857600@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:Life Fest 2026 - Nashville
DESCRIPTION:Life Fest 2026 will be in Nashville\, Tennessee – Friday\, July 10th through\, Sunday July 12th\, 2026 at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel\, 2100 West End Avenue\, Nashville\, TN. Hotel\, airline & parking information are on the registration page. \nLife Fest is a unique event where patients and caregivers come together for a weekend to interact with each other and the medical and scientific communities that serve them. Faced with a rare form of cancer\, GIST patients have a great need for information about this disease\, particularly as the science evolves and our understanding reveals a complex set of subtypes of GIST\, each responding differently to available treatments. \nLife Fest workshops provide patients with emerging medical information\, and they come away with a deeper knowledge of the disease\, treatments and side effect management. They find hope in knowing the scientific community is working toward a cure\, and hope is such a vital asset for survival. \nComing together with fellow patients from all walks of life from around the world is a meaningful and powerful experience. In addition to our traditional educational workshops\, Life Fest 2026 will feature scientific presentations highlighting the newest research and the latest treatments. \nCurrently scholarship applications for Life Fest are closed. Please contact Brian Morello at bmorello@liferaftgroup.org for more information. \n\nREGISTERDownload PDF of Agenda (subject to change.) \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\nWe have secured a block of hotel rooms for guests attending Life Fest 2026. This special group rate is only available until June 19th\, 2026. \nLoews Nashville Hotel at Vanderbilt Plaza\n2100 West End Ave\,\nNashville\, TN 37203\n1-877-879-7818 \nReserve: www.loewshotels.com/vanderbilt-hotel/group-life-fest-event-2026 \nParking for the conference location (Loews Nashville Hotel at Vanderbilt Plaza):\nSelf-parking for guests at Loews Nashville Hotel at Vanderbilt Plaza is $49 + tax per day\, per vehicle. \nAlternate parking:\nLegacy Parking Company\, LLC – Hayes Street Garage (4 minute walk to Loews Hotel)\n2011 Hayes St\, Nashville\, TN 37203\n1-209-489-7232 \nFor parking details: bit.ly/LF-BookParking \nQuestions about Life Fest 2026?\nPlease reach out to Brian Morello\, Director of Development at bmorello@liferaftgroup.org
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/life-fest-2026-nashville/
LOCATION:Loews Vanderbilt Hotel\, 2100 West End Avenue\, Nashville\, TN\, 37203\, United States
CATEGORIES:Education,Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Brian Morello":MAILTO:bmorello@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260713
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260714
DTSTAMP:20260630T205742Z
CREATED:20260325T131420Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260630T205742Z
UID:10001638-1783900800-1783987199@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:GIST Awareness Day
DESCRIPTION:GIST Awareness Day is July 13th.\nClick to download this year’s logo. \n \nHow can you raise awareness on GIST Awareness Day and throughout Sarcoma Awareness Month?\nLike\, share\, and comment on our posts throughout the month and post your own story or the parts you feel comfortable sharing frequently. You can also host a July fundraiser on Facebook to honor your journey as a GISTer or a loved one who has faced GIST – see our resources here. If you are interested in organizing an another type of fundraising event\, please contact Brian Morello at bmorello@liferaftgroup.org. If you want to share your story\, to be distributed on LRG social media platforms and communities\, please reach out to Carol Tordella at ctordella@liferaftgroup.org \nThis GIST Awareness Day\, share the milestones\, victories\, and meaningful moments that make your GIST journey uniquely yours. Share your story on our GAD kudoboard today and share so others can share theirs! https://liferaftgroup.kudoboard.com/boards/OutDEFYR/GAD2026
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/gist-awareness-day/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260820T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260820T120000
DTSTAMP:20260804T200710Z
CREATED:20260804T182302Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260804T200710Z
UID:10001668-1787227200-1787227200@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:Introducing the New LRG Patient Registry
DESCRIPTION:REGISTERJoin The Life Raft Group for an introduction to the NEW LRG Patient Registry on Thursday\, August 20th at 12:00 PM. Denisse Evans\, Senior Director of Data Management & Research\, and Ian Hill\, Data & Registry Systems Analyst\, will walk through the new features fo the Registry and share how these enhancements are designed to better serve both patients and researchers in the GIST community. \nAttendees will learn how this redesign strengthens data collection\, improves the patient experience\, and supports research efforts aimed at advancing understanding of disease progression\, treatment outcomes\, and long-term survivorship. Whether you’re a patient\, caregiver\, researcher\, or advocate\, this webinar will offer valuable insight into how the Registry is evolving to drive meaningful progress in GIST research and care. \nThese 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. \nAbout Our Presenters:\n \nDenisse Evans\nSenior Director of Data Management & Research \n \nAs Senior Director of Data Management & Research at the Life Raft Group (LRG)\, Denisse Evans brings a dynamic blend of scientific expertise\, strategic leadership\, and a passion for patient advocacy to the forefront of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) research. Her career has been dedicated to leveraging data-driven insights to improve patient outcomes\, empower communities\, and drive innovation in rare cancer research. \nShe specializes in designing and implementing robust study protocols\, with a focus on Patient-Reported Outcomes (PRO) and biomedical data analysis. As Principal Investigator of the Natural History Study for the largest GIST cohort globally\, she leads groundbreaking research efforts to uncover insights into disease progression\, treatment outcomes\, and long-term survivorship. She spearheaded the development of the newly rebuilt LRG Patient Registry\, guiding its redesign to better serve both patient and scientific communities and strengthening its role as a foundational resource for GIST research. In addition to managing the Registry\, she heads the organization’s Tissue Bank\, a vital resource for advancing translational research. Her leadership extends to fostering collaborations with premier medical and academic institutions\, enabling multi-institutional studies that drive impactful discoveries in the field. \n \nIan Hill\nData and Registry Systems Analyst\n \nIan Hill\, Data and Registry Systems Analyst at The Life Raft Group\, brings a career path that reflects the blending of technical skill\, analytical thinking\, and a strong desire to make a difference in people’s lives. With a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Ramapo College of New Jersey and a Master of Data Science from the same institution he built a strong foundation in understanding complex systems that naturally evolved into his pursuit of data science. In his role\, he brings together his technical training\, scientific background\, and personal values to support registry development\, clean and analyze clinical datasets\, and design reports and dashboards that make data meaningful for researchers\, clinicians\, and patients alike. \nHe played a major part in bringing the technical aspects of the newly rebuilt LRG Patient Registry to life\, helping translate its vision into a functioning system built to serve patients and researchers alike. His ability to translate raw information into actionable insights highlights both his technical expertise and his empathy for those who rely on the data to guide treatment and care. \nThank You to Our Sponsors:
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/introducing-the-new-lrg-patient-registry/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events,Webcast
ORGANIZER;CN="Rebecca Pauley":MAILTO:rpauley@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260926T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260926T140000
DTSTAMP:20260723T154825Z
CREATED:20260529T153741Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260723T154825Z
UID:10001655-1790409600-1790431200@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:GDOL Minnesota
DESCRIPTION:GDOL Minnesota will take place in-person at Mayo Clinic\, Judd Hall Auditorium\, Mayo Building\, Subway Level\, Room 00\, 200 First Street SW in Rochester. \nREGISTERDownload PDF of Agenda (subject to change.) \n \nWhat is a GDOL? \nA GDOL is a GIST Day of Learning. This is a free one day event to help patients and caregivers learn more about this rare cancer\, find support\, and enhance their knowledge base to help them navigate their cancer journey. \nThe Life Raft Group is committed to enhancing the survival and quality of life for people living with Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST)\, and other rare diseases\, through patient-powered research\, education and empowerment\, and global advocacy efforts. Our vision is to empower a future fueled by data\, guiding our journey toward cures for rare diseases. \nIf you have any questions\, please contact Brian Morello at bmorello@liferaftgroup.org
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/gdol-minnesota/
LOCATION:Judd Hall Auditorium\, 200 First Street SW\, Rochester\, Minnesota\, 55905
CATEGORIES:Education,Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Brian Morello":MAILTO:bmorello@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261024
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261025
DTSTAMP:20260702T135846Z
CREATED:20260605T160436Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260702T135846Z
UID:10001666-1792800000-1792886399@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:GDOL San Diego
DESCRIPTION:GDOL San Diego will take place in-person at Moores Cancer Center\, 3855 Health Sciences Dr\, 2nd floor\, La Jolla\, CA 92037 on October 24\, 2026. \nREGISTERDownload PDF of Agenda (subject to change.) \n\n \n\n \n\nWhat is a GDOL?\n\nA GDOL is a GIST Day of Learning. This is a free one day event to help patients and caregivers learn more about this rare cancer\, find support\, and enhance their knowledge base to help them navigate their cancer journey. \nThe Life Raft Group is committed to enhancing the survival and quality of life for people living with Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST)\, and other rare diseases\, through patient-powered research\, education and empowerment\, and global advocacy efforts. Our vision is to empower a future fueled by data\, guiding our journey toward cures for rare diseases. \nIf you have any questions\, please contact Brian Morello at bmorello@liferaftgroup.org
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/gdol-san-diego-2026/
LOCATION:Moores Cancer Center\, 3855 Health Sciences Dr\, La Jolla\, CA 92037\, La Jolla\, CA\, 92037\, United States
CATEGORIES:Education,Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Brian Morello":MAILTO:bmorello@liferaftgroup.org
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