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DTSTART;TZID=America/Mexico_City:20220607T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Mexico_City:20220607T190000
DTSTAMP:20260405T081220
CREATED:20220601T184801Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220601T185842Z
UID:10000235-1654628400-1654628400@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:Efectos de la Nutrición y la Microbiota Intestinal en pacientes con GIST
DESCRIPTION:La versión en español titulada\, “Efectos de la Nutrición y la Microbiota Intestinal en pacientes con GIST” \nMartes 07 junio a las 19:00 Cdmx/20:00 Chile /19:00 Colombia /21:00 Ara. \nOrganizado por Fundación GIST México y AlianzaGIST. \nLa Sra. Berenice Carbajal-López es una estudiante de doctorado que tiene un Máster en Ciencias de la Salud con una tesis relacionada con el uso de tecnologías en la atención nutricional y psicológica de los pacientes con GIST. Durante esta presentación virtual\, la Sra. Carbajal-López describió los beneficios de una nutrición adecuada\, la relación entre la nutrición y los procedimientos quirúrgicos\, el vínculo entre el microbioma y el cáncer\, y el ejercicio. \n¿tienes preguntas?\nEnvíe un correo electrónico a Piga Fernández en pfernandez@liferaftgroup.org \nREGISTERAcerca del presentador: \nBerenice Carbajal-López\nFundación GIST México \nLa Sra. Berenice Carbajal-López es estudiante de doctorado y tiene una maestría en Ciencias de la Salud con una tesis relacionada con el uso de tecnologías en la atención nutricional y psicológica de pacientes con GIST. Es diplomada en Investigación Clínica y Bioestadística por el Instituto Nacional de Cancerología de México. Cuenta con experiencia en el cuidado de la salud de pacientes con GIST\, como Coordinadora de Atención al Paciente de 2014 a 2019 y como Directora Global desde 2020 en la Fundación GIST México. La Sra. Carbajal-López también ha colaborado en la redacción y revisión de artículos de investigación y capítulos de libros en el área de Oncología\, con ocho publicaciones a la fecha como autora principal y coautora en revistas indexadas y ha participado en congresos nacionales e internacionales como SMEO 2018\, ASCO 2019 y ESMO-GI 2017\, 2018\, 2019\, 2020\, 2021 y 2022.
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/efectos-de-la-nutricion-y-la-microbiota-intestinal-en-pacientes-con-gist/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events,Webcast
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://liferaftgroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Invitación-Alianza-GIST.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Piga Fern%C3%A1ndez":MAILTO:pfernandez@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20220729
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20220801
DTSTAMP:20260405T081220
CREATED:20190424T181544Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220721T180545Z
UID:10000027-1659052800-1659311999@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:Life Fest New Orleans
DESCRIPTION:Life Fest New Orleans\n July 29th-31st\, 2022\nIf you have any questions regarding Life Fest\, please email Jessica Nowak at jnowak@liferaftgroup.org \nREGISTERLife Fest is a unique event where hundreds of 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. Each year brings a wealth of new information\, and patients are eager to learn about the latest 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 as they struggle day by day for survival. \nThe Life Raft Group emerged in recognition of the tremendous need for support in the GIST community. Life Fest 2022 will provide patients and caregivers with that support. Coming together with fellow patients from all walks of life from around the world is a meaningful and powerful experience. \nIn addition to our traditional educational workshops\, Life Fest 2022 will feature scientific presentations highlighting the newest research and the latest treatments. Additionally\, other disease advocacy groups will be invited to present the work of their organizations\, and share lessons learned. \nReasons to attend Life Fest \nProgram Highlights \nWhere to Eat in NOLA \nSights & Sounds of NOLA  \nClick to view online and print agenda \n \nThank you to our Life Fest Sponsors!
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/lifefest2022/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://liferaftgroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/life-fest-2022.png
ORGANIZER;CN="The Life Raft Group":MAILTO:liferaft@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220907T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220907T180000
DTSTAMP:20260405T081220
CREATED:20220818T132904Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220818T132904Z
UID:10000238-1662573600-1662573600@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:Let's Get to the GIST of It!
DESCRIPTION:The Life Raft Group is excited host another “Let’s Get the GIST of It” session. During this recurring online event\, patients and caregivers participate and share  overall experiences (good or bad) of their current treatment. The topic of this installment is “The new and upcoming treatments in GIST.” We will be discussing  two new clinical trials –  Cogent (CGT9486) and Theseus (THE-630)\, as well as recently approved drugs like AYVAKIT (avapritinib) and QINLOCK (ripretinib). \nThe goal of this initiative is to discuss key topics that will provide patients and caregivers with insight about their current treatment\, learn more information about new clinical trials or learn more about a new drug by listening to other people’s experiences. During this event\, we will discuss topics like side effects\, dosages\, scans\, and support. You will also have the opportunity to interact and connect with patients like you who are taking the same drug or experiencing the same side effects. Big or small\, all input is important and we are excited for you to be part of this initiative. \nIf you or a loved one is currently enrolled in a Cogent (CGT9486) and Theseus (THE-630) trial or currently taking ripretinib or avapritinib and would like to learn more about these drugs or share your experiences with other GISTers\, please join this event. For more information or questions\, please contact Sahibjeet Kaur at skaur@liferaftgroup.org \nREGISTER
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/lets-get-to-the-gist-of-it/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://liferaftgroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/lets-get-the-gist-of-it.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Sahibjeet Kaur":MAILTO:skaur@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220924T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220924T083000
DTSTAMP:20260405T081220
CREATED:20220217T155303Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220906T135627Z
UID:10000206-1664008200-1664008200@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:GDOL San Diego
DESCRIPTION:GDOL San Diego is September 24th\, 8:30 am\nLife Raft Group GIST Do It Walk (Prepare for Miles for Merak) at 8:00 am (Registration at 7:30).\nBreakfast 8:30\, Event Start 9:00 \nA GIST Day of Learning (GDOL) 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 has a simple focus: to cure a form of cancer — GIST — and to help those living with it until then. To do this\, the Life Raft Group focuses on three key areas: research\, patient support & education\, and advocacy\, which lay the foundation of our mission to ensure the survival of GIST patients through a comprehensive approach connecting individual patients’ needs\, the worldwide community of GIST advocates and the global health and research environment. \nIf you have any questions\, please contact Diana Nieves at dnieves@liferaftgroup.org \nREGISTERClick for PDF of Agenda \n \nThank you to our GDOL Sponsors:
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/gdol-san-diego/
LOCATION:Moores Cancer Center UC San Diego Health\, Goldberg Auditorium\, 3855 Health Sciences Drive\, San Diego\, CA\, 92037\, United States
CATEGORIES:Education,Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Diana Nieves":MAILTO:dnieves@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20221012T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20221012T120000
DTSTAMP:20260405T081220
CREATED:20220913T233534Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220926T132350Z
UID:10000245-1665576000-1665576000@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:The Emerging Role of Circulating Tumor DNA in GIST
DESCRIPTION:October 12\, Noon ET \nIn this webinar\, “The Emerging Role of Circulating Tumor DNA in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor”\, Dr. Bialick will discuss recent data looking at treatment outcomes based off KIT resistant mutations identified by circulating tumor DNA in patients with GIST. \nREGISTEROur Presenter\nSteven Bialick\, DO\nSylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center\, Miami \nSteve Bialick\, DO\, is a  hematology/oncology fellow at Jackson Memorial Hospital and the University of Miami/Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami\, FL.  He completed his internal medicine residency within the University of Pennsylvania Health System before working as a hematologic malignancy hospitalist at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia\, PA.  He is now completing his oncology training with a focus on solid tumor malignancies\, specifically soft tissue and bone sarcomas.  His research interests include hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes\, circulating tumor DNA and its role in guiding targeted therapies\, and the role of DNA damage repair pathways in sarcomas. \nThank you to our Sponsors:
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/the-emerging-role-of-circulating-tumor-dna-in-gist/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20221104
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20221106
DTSTAMP:20260405T081220
CREATED:20220217T154650Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221026T123831Z
UID:10000205-1667520000-1667692799@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:GDOL Miami
DESCRIPTION:GDOL Miami – November 4th & 5th – In person\nA GIST Day of Learning (GDOL) 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 mission of the Life Raft Group is to enhance survival and quality of life for people living with GIST through patient-powered research\, education and empowerment\, and global advocacy efforts. The LRG vision is to champion patient-powered science and drastically increase long-term survivorship for all cancer patients. To accomplish this\, we rely on four key pillars;\n– Leverage the patient perspective to drive innovative solutions in cancer research\n– Educate and empower patients to take a larger role in their care\n– Accelerate research outcomes through collaborative efforts\n– Increase access to effective treatments worldwide \nIf you have any questions\, please contact Diana Nieves at dnieves@liferaftgroup.org \nREGISTERClick here for printable version of agenda \n \nThank you to our GDOL Sponsors:
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/gdol-miami/
LOCATION:Gordon Center for Simulation & Innovation in Medical Education\, 1120 NW 14th Street\, Miami\, FL\, 33136\, United States
CATEGORIES:Education,Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Diana Nieves":MAILTO:dnieves@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20221108T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20221108T140000
DTSTAMP:20260405T081220
CREATED:20221025T145353Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221025T145402Z
UID:10000247-1667912400-1667916000@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:Surgical Considerations for GIST
DESCRIPTION:November 8\, 2022 @ 1PM ET\nThe Life Raft Group is partnering with Dr. Andrew Blakely\, surgical oncologist\, National Cancer Institute\, Center for Cancer Research\, NIH\, to discuss the basics of surgical removal of primary GISTs and considerations in multimetastatic disease. The presentation will include case examples for both non-wild-type and wild-type or SDH-deficient GIST. Q&A will follow the presentation. \nIf you have any questions about this webinar\, please email srothschild@liferaftgroup.org \nREGISTERAbout our Presenter:\nDr. Andrew Blakely\nNational Cancer Institute\, Center for Cancer Research\nNational Institutes of Health \nDr. Blakely completed a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering followed by medical school at Drexel University. He went on to general surgery residency at Brown University. During residency\, he spent two years of dedicated research time at the Center for Biomedical Engineering developing a device for tissue engineering applications. That work then led to a National Science Foundation grant and a patent. Dr. Blakely then completed his fellowship in Complex General Surgical Oncology at City of Hope National Medical Center. Dr. Blakely is currently a surgical oncologist specializing in peritoneal surface malignancies and soft tissue sarcomas. One of the primary focuses of his research includes improving surgical treatment and ex vivo tumor modeling of gastrointestinal stromal tumors.   \nThank you to our 2022 LRG webinar sponsors:
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/surgical-considerations-for-gist/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20221208T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20221208T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T081220
CREATED:20221101T131851Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221101T132210Z
UID:10000248-1670518800-1670518800@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:Interactive Q&A with SDH Families
DESCRIPTION:December 8 @ 5PM ET \nThe Life Raft Group invites SDH-deficient GIST patients and caregivers to join us for a virtual conversation with Dr. Sosipatros Boikos of the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. During this meeting\, Dr. Boikos will present background on SDH-deficient GIST and open the meeting to an interactive Q&A with families. Please come prepared with questions and time to interact with the group! \nREGISTERAbout our Presenter:\nDr. Sosipatros Boikos\nGeorgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center \nSosipatros Boikos\, MD\, is a fellowship-trained\, board-certified medical oncologist with clinical privileges at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. He is one of the most experienced sarcoma medical oncologists in the Washington\, D.C. metropolitan area\, with 11 years of experience treating sarcomas and rare tumors and more than 20 years of experience in the area of sarcoma cancer genetics and cell biology. Dr. Boikos currently serves MedStar Health as Co-Leader of the Sarcoma Working Group at Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.    \nThank you to our 2022 LRG webinar sponsors:
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/interactive-qa-with-sdh-families/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events,Webcast
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20221210T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20221210T100000
DTSTAMP:20260405T081220
CREATED:20221115T152039Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221115T152039Z
UID:10000249-1670666400-1670666400@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:So. Cal GISTer Virtual Support Group
DESCRIPTION:This Support Group will be held at 10am Pacific Time/1pm Eastern. \nJoin us on Saturday\, December 10\, at 10:00 am PST. Make yourself comfortable at your computer\, laptop\, tablet\, etc. and participate in what will be a very helpful and informative meeting. \nThe Life Raft Group is offering a virtual California Support Group with Southern California Leader Dina Wiley\, PhD. The group will meet to talk to each other\, discuss individual GIST issues\, and get answers to questions. This will enable you to not only get some relief from the worry of GIST\, but to also help others\, as well. We are\, after all\, in the same life raft\, and we are each needed to pull together. When we do\, wonderful things happen! \nAnd here’s the best part — we will have a very special guest – Dr. Michael Heinrich\, Oregon Health & Science University. \nREGISTERAbout the Group Leader:\nDina Wiley – Dina is a long-time Southern California LRG Support Group Leader. Read about Dina’s GIST journey here \nAbout Our Special Guest:\nMichael Heinrich\, MD\nOregon Health & Science University\nProfessor of Medicine\, School of Medicine\nCell and Developmental Biology Graduate Program\, School of Medicine\nCancer Biology Graduate Program\, School of Medicine\nProgram in Molecular and Cellular Biosciences\, School of Medicine \nDr. Heinrich’s research includes both preclinical identification of novel molecular targets and testing of new agents in the laboratory and the clinic. This includes both genomics research using high-throughput gentoyping to identify oncogenic mutations and testing of new compounds in cellular and biochemical assays. Dr. Heinrich’s laboratory is particularly expert in the analysis of inhibitors of oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinases such as KIT\, PDGFRA and FLT3.
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/so-cal-gister-virtual-support-group-2/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://liferaftgroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/CA-Support-Group-12-10-22.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Diana Nieves":MAILTO:dnieves@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230316T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230316T120000
DTSTAMP:20260405T081220
CREATED:20230222T214046Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230223T133610Z
UID:10000487-1678968000-1678968000@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:Nutrition Management & Multidisciplinary Approaches in GIST
DESCRIPTION:The Life Raft Group is partnering with Fundación GIST México to present Nutrition Management and Multidisciplinary Approaches in GIST for GIST patients and caretakers on March 16th at 12pm ET.  During this virtual presentation\, Ms. Carbajal-López will describe the onco-nutritional pathway\, effects of malnutrition in GIST\, multidisciplinary approaches to nutrition\, exercise\, and more. \nThere will be time for questions after the presentation. If you would like to submit your questions ahead of time or if you have questions about the presentation\, please email Sara Rothschild: srothschild@liferaftgroup.org \nREGISTERAbout our Presenter:\nBerenice Carbajal-López\nFundación GIST México \nMs. Carbajal-López is a doctoral student who holds a master’s degree in Health Sciences with a thesis related to the use of technologies in the nutritional and psychological care of patients with GIST. She has a diploma in Clinical Research and Biostatistics at the National Cancer Institute in Mexico. She has experience in health care of GIST patients\, as Patient Care Coordinator from 2014 to 2019 and as Global Director since 2020 at Fundación GIST México. Ms. Carbajal-López has also collaborated in drafting and review of research articles and book chapters in the area of Oncology\, with eight publications to date as main author and co-author in indexed journals and has participated in national and international congresses such as SMEO 2018\, ASCO 2019\, and ESMO-GI 2017\, 2018\, 2019\, 2020\, 2021\, and 2022. \nPlease note that this webinar is not a substitute for your physician’s guidance and care.
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/nutrition-management-multidisciplinary-approaches-in-gist/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230418T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230418T130000
DTSTAMP:20260405T081220
CREATED:20230330T191338Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230330T191338Z
UID:10000490-1681819200-1681822800@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:Fueling GIST Research - Our Community in Action!
DESCRIPTION:Diana Nieves will be chatting with a group of fundraisers from our community who have combined GIST advocacy with a personal passion in their lives to raise funds for GIST research. We are grateful to these individuals who have been so creative and thankful that they are willing to join us on April 18 at noon ET to share how to create a successful virtual or in-person fundraiser to further GIST research. \nJoin us during for virtual presentation to learn how you can help fuel the future of GIST research! \nREGISTERAbout Our Presenter:\nDiana Nieves\nChief Development & Involvement Officer \nIn her role as Chief Development & Involvement Officer\, Diana is charged with busting up silos and eliminating barriers to keep our relationships with members\, donors\, volunteers\, and others focused on our common goal of achieving LRGs mission. She actively cultivates\, engages and deepens these relationships so that she can elevate LRG fundraising and volunteering efforts while meaningfully acknowledging contributions made to the LRG and rare diseases overall. She works closely with the senior executive team and Board of Directors to ensure the development and success of the organization by instilling a culture of community involvement\, philanthropy\, strategic planning while addressing any development issues within the organization. Diana holds a Master of Public Administration degree from New York University\, and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Adelphi University. \nOur Guest Panel includes:\n \nThank you to our 2023 Webinar Sponsors!
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/fueling-gist-research-our-community-in-action/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Diana Nieves":MAILTO:dnieves@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20230428T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20230428T160000
DTSTAMP:20260405T081220
CREATED:20230307T183240Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230421T124418Z
UID:10000488-1682690400-1682697600@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:GIST Day of Learning Virtual - Tennessee
DESCRIPTION:GDOL Tennessee is happening on April 28th\, 2023 VIRTUAL\n2-4pm CDT \nAgenda TBA \nPresenters: Elizabeth Davis\, MD; Vicki Keedy\, MD\, MSCI; Justin Cates\, MD\, Ph.D.; Carlos Prieto-Granada\, MD; Deepa Magge\, MD; Sekhar Padmanabhan; Erin Taylor\, MS\, RD\, CNSC; and Carey Tomlinson\, PT \nTopics Include:  \n• GIST 101 \n• Importance of pathology review\, molecular testing\, and risk stratification \n• Medical and surgical approaches to treatment \n• Management of treatment side effects \n• Importance of nutrition and physical activity during treatment \n• Future directions for GIST therapy \n\nREGISTERWhat 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 mission of the Life Raft Group is to enhance survival and quality of life for people living with GIST through patient-powered research\, education and empowerment\, and global advocacy efforts. The LRG vision is to champion patient-powered science and drastically increase long-term survivorship for all cancer patients. To accomplish this\, we rely on four key pillars:\n– Leverage the patient perspective to drive innovative solutions in cancer research\n– Educate and empower patients to take a larger role in their care\n– Accelerate research outcomes through collaborative efforts\n– Increase access to effective treatments worldwide \nThank you to our 2023 GDOL Sponsors!\n \n 
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/gist-day-of-learning-virtual-tennessee/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Diana Nieves":MAILTO:dnieves@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230502T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230502T130000
DTSTAMP:20260405T081220
CREATED:20230403T162300Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230403T163003Z
UID:10000491-1683028800-1683032400@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:Managing Your Mental Health After Diagnosis
DESCRIPTION:Receiving a cancer diagnosis and undergoing cancer treatment can be a highly stressful and emotionally challenging experience. Patients may experience a range of emotions such as fear\, anxiety\, depression and grief\, as well as many physical symptoms. Paying attention to your mental health is an important part of coping with a cancer diagnosis. The Life Raft Group is partnering with Sarah Paul of CancerCare to host this webinar on May 2nd at 12 ET to discuss why mental health matters and discover ways to find the emotional support that is right for you. \nREGISTERAbout Our Presenter:\nSarah Paul\, LCSW\, OSW-C\nDirector of Clinical Programs\, CancerCare \nMs. Paul is the Director of Clinical Programs and is responsible for delivering CancerCare’s free services to people whose lives are affected by cancer while overseeing administrative aspects of the social work department. Sarah is passionate about creating and developing specialized programs to meet the needs of underserved populations and has a specialization in working with children\, adolescents and young adults. Before starting at CancerCare\, she received her BA in Psychology from SUNY New Paltz and her Master’s in Social Work from Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College. She is a board certified oncology social worker and in 2020\, she was awarded the Aquamarine Leadership Award by the National Association of Social Workers\, New York City Chapter. \nThank you to our 2023 Webinar Sponsors!
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/managing-mental-health-after-diagnosis/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230513T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230514T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T081220
CREATED:20230509T134100Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230509T134214Z
UID:10000498-1683964800-1684083600@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:New Horizons GIST Conference
DESCRIPTION:In-Person Registrations are closed but you can still use the link to join virtually! \nNEW HORIZONS GIST is the most important global annual conference for GIST patient advocates. At NEW HORIZONS GIST\, patients from the global GIST patient community come together\, can interact with top GIST experts\, have access to state‐of‐the‐art medical and scientific information and can exchange best practice in patient advocacy among each other. The conference is a balanced symbiosis of medical content\, advocacy topics and capacity building sessions. After more than 2 years living under the restrictions of the pandemic\, we are happy to annouce that NEW HORIZONS GIST will be held as a hybrid meeting in 2023. \nOn behalf of the “NEW HORIZONS GIST Steering Committee”\, we are very pleased to announce the 2023 NEW HORIZONS GIST Conference May 13 & 14 in Dublin\, Ireland and online via Zoom – for the first time in conjunction with the SPAGN Annual Conference. \nREGISTERPDF of agenda here
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/new-horizons-gist-conference-2/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://liferaftgroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/NEW_HORIZONS_GIST_2023_Dubli_Ireland_Briefkopf_L1-1-2048x537-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230519T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230519T130000
DTSTAMP:20260405T081220
CREATED:20230424T031643Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230509T171719Z
UID:10000492-1684497600-1684501200@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:Clinical Trials 101
DESCRIPTION:Dr. Ciara Kelly will be presenting “Clinical Trials 101” to GIST patients and caretakers on May 19th\, 2023 at 12pm ET. During this virtual presentation\, Dr. Kelly will discuss types of clinical trials\, how to find a clinical trial\, current open clinical trials\, and more. \nREGISTERAbout Our Presenter\nDr. Ciara Kelly\,\nMedical Oncologist\, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center \nDr. Kelly is a medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center who has expertise in treating and researching bone and soft tissue sarcomas and merkel cell carcinoma. She works very closely with a team of medical oncologists\, surgeons\, radiation oncologists\, nurses\, and patient support advocates. \nDr. Kelly’s research aims to develop new and more personalized therapies to treat sarcomas. She is actively involved in developing and designing clinical trials that will look at novel agents that target molecular changes within tumors. She is also studying innovative combination immunotherapy options that will harness a person’s own immune defenses to fight their cancer. \nDr. Kelly has a particular interest in advancing understanding of gastrointestinal stromal tumors and other sarcomas at the molecular level. She is using liquid biopsies to analyze tumor DNA in the blood and tumor biopsies to uncover a biomarker that will ultimately help match the best treatment option with each individual person’s tumor. Dr. Kelly is committed to designing and developing novel therapeutic clinical trials for GIST patients that incorporate correlative studies which provide an opportunity to further our understanding of this disease. \nThank you to our 2023 Webinar Sponsors!
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/clinical-trials-101/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230520T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230520T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T081220
CREATED:20230302T155050Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230510T180827Z
UID:10000486-1684571400-1684602000@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:GIST Day of Learning - Stanford
DESCRIPTION:GDOL Stanford is happening on May 20th\, 2023\nStanford University’s Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center\n326 Galvez Street Stanford Stanford\, CA 94305-6105 \nClick here for AGENDA \n \nREGISTERWhat 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 mission of the Life Raft Group is to enhance survival and quality of life for people living with GIST through patient-powered research\, education and empowerment\, and global advocacy efforts. The LRG vision is to champion patient-powered science and drastically increase long-term survivorship for all cancer patients. To accomplish this\, we rely on four key pillars:\n– Leverage the patient perspective to drive innovative solutions in cancer research\n– Educate and empower patients to take a larger role in their care\n– Accelerate research outcomes through collaborative efforts\n– Increase access to effective treatments worldwide \nThank you to our 2023 GDOL Sponsors!
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/gist-day-of-learning-stanford/
LOCATION:Stanford University Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center\, Fischer Conference Center\, 326 Galvez Street\, Stanford\, California\, 94305
CATEGORIES:Education,Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Diana Nieves":MAILTO:dnieves@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230525T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230525T190000
DTSTAMP:20260405T081220
CREATED:20230509T140037Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230509T140037Z
UID:10000499-1685041200-1685041200@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:Manejo de la Nutrición y Enfoques Multidisciplinarios en GIST
DESCRIPTION:Te invitamos a participar de este webinar organizado por Fundación #GIST México Inscripciones en el siguiente link –\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe invite you to participate in this webinar organized by Fundación #GIST Mexico. Registration at the following link –\n\n\n\n\nREGISTER
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/manejo-de-la-nutricion-y-enfoques-multidisciplinarios-en-gist/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://liferaftgroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/344866936_1426486971428486_4897021564488838357_n.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230620T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230620T183000
DTSTAMP:20260405T081221
CREATED:20230509T171420Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230601T192629Z
UID:10000500-1687285800-1687285800@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:GIST Updates from ASCO
DESCRIPTION:ASCO (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 host Dr. Herbert Loong\, who will summarize abstracts and presentations that were presented during this conference that are relevant to the GIST patient community. \nPlease note that this webinar is not a substitute for your physician’s guidance and care.\nREGISTERAbout Our Presenter\nHerbert H. Loong\, MD\nThe Chinese University of Hong Kong \nDr. Herbert H. Loong holds conjoint appointments of Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Clinical Oncology and Deputy Medical Director of the Phase 1 Clinical Trials Centre of The Chinese University of Hong Kong. He is also the current and founding convenor of the Prince of Wales Hospital Adult Sarcoma Multidisciplinary Team. \nDr. Loong obtained his medical degree with a Distinction in Surgery from The University of Hong Kong in 2003. He has completed a Fellowship in Drug Development at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto\, Canada with a special focus on Experimental Therapeutics. His clinical and research interests also include Sarcoma Medical Oncology\, Thoracic Oncology and Health Economics. He is a recipient of the European Cancer Congress Fellowship Grant (2013)\, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting Merit Award (2014)\, the Hong Kong College of Physicians Young Investigators’ Award (2014). Nominated by patients and their caregivers\, Dr. Loong led the Lung Cancer Team at CUHK to be bestowed the IASLC Foundation Cancer Care Team Award in recognition for providing the best thoracic oncology care in “Asia & Rest of the World” in 2018. \nDr. Loong has served or continues to serve in various capacities in various professional international oncology bodies\, including the International Affairs Committee and the Asia-Pacific Regional Council of ASCO\, the Membership\, Education and Communications Committees of the IASLC. He has been elected as a Board Member of the Connective Tissue Oncology Society (CTOS) for 2022-2024. He is also a founding executive committee member of the newly formed Asia Pacific Oncology Drug Development Network (APODDC). He is also a Board Member in the specialty of Medical Oncology in the Hong Kong College of Physicians. In his appointment as a Registration Committee member of Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong\, he helps oversee the registration of medicinal products and clinical trials in the territory. \nThank you to our 2023 Webinar Sponsors!
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/gist-updates-from-asco/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230918T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230918T120000
DTSTAMP:20260405T081221
CREATED:20230721T225845Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230822T183423Z
UID:10000567-1695038400-1695038400@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:Getting the GIST of It: How to Manage Side Effects of GIST Therapies
DESCRIPTION:The Life Raft Group has partnered with Emmeline C. Academia\, PharmD\, BCOP of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center to present “Getting the GIST of it: How to Manage Side Effects of GIST Therapies” for GIST patients and caretakers on September 18th\, 2023 at 12pm. During this virtual presentation\, Ms. Academia will provide an overview of GIST treatments and their side effects as well as home management for each type of symptom and when to call the clinic. \nREGISTERAbout Our Presenter:\nEmmeline C. Academia\, PharmD\, BCOP \nBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center \nMs. Academia is a practicing clinical pharmacy specialist in adult oncology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. She is board certified in oncology\, and sub-specializes in gastrointestinal and thoracic malignancies\, along with sarcoma. She precepts students from Northeastern University and the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. She is a contributing editor for MET Crusaders\, a nonprofit organization dedicated to patients with MET alterations. She also reviews and writes for GoodRx\, focusing on oncology-related medications and topics\, and is the co-author of several published journal articles. Dr. Academia received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of California\, San Francisco before completing 2 years of pharmacy residency at the University of Colorado in general pharmacy practice\, followed by specialized training in adult oncology. \nThank you to our 2023 Webinar Sponsors!
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/manage-side-effects/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events,Webcast
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231028T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231028T141500
DTSTAMP:20260405T081221
CREATED:20230314T192629Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240216T204214Z
UID:10000489-1698481800-1698502500@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:GIST Day of Learning - Colorado
DESCRIPTION:GDOL Denver (Aurora)\, Colorado is happening on October 28th\, 2023! \nREGISTERGDOL Denver (Aurora)\, Colorado is happening on October 28th\, 2023!\nClick image for a PDF of agenda: \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 mission of the Life Raft Group is to enhance survival and quality of life for people living with GIST through patient-powered research\, education and empowerment\, and global advocacy efforts. The LRG vision is to champion patient-powered science and drastically increase long-term survivorship for all cancer patients. To accomplish this\, we rely on four key pillars:\n– Leverage the patient perspective to drive innovative solutions in cancer research\n– Educate and empower patients to take a larger role in their care\n– Accelerate research outcomes through collaborative efforts\n– Increase access to effective treatments worldwide \nThank you to our 2023 GDOL Sponsors!\n \n 
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/gist-day-of-learning-colorado-2023/
LOCATION:Anschutz Health and Sciences Building\, Room 2007\, 1890 N Revere Ct.\, Aurora\, 80045\, United States
CATEGORIES:Education,Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Diana Nieves":MAILTO:dnieves@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231127T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231127T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T081221
CREATED:20231031T133024Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231106T143542Z
UID:10000632-1701104400-1701104400@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:GIST Updates from CTOS
DESCRIPTION:The Life Raft Group is partnering with Dr. Herbert Loong of the Chinese University of Hong Kong to present “GIST Updates from CTOS 2023” to GIST patients and caregivers on November 27th at 5pm ET. During this virtual presentation\, Dr. Loong will discuss scientific updates relevant to GIST patients that were exhibited at the Connective Tissue Oncology Society (CTOS) conference. A Q&A segment will follow Dr. Loong’s presentation. \nREGISTERAbout Our Presenter\nHerbert H. Loong\, MD\nThe Chinese University of Hong Kong \nDr. Herbert H. Loong holds conjoint appointments of Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Clinical Oncology and Deputy Medical Director of the Phase 1 Clinical Trials Centre of The Chinese University of Hong Kong. He is also the current and founding convenor of the Prince of Wales Hospital Adult Sarcoma Multidisciplinary Team. \nDr. Loong obtained his medical degree with a Distinction in Surgery from The University of Hong Kong in 2003. He has completed a Fellowship in Drug Development at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto\, Canada with a special focus on Experimental Therapeutics. His clinical and research interests also include Sarcoma Medical Oncology\, Thoracic Oncology and Health Economics. He is a recipient of the European Cancer Congress Fellowship Grant (2013)\, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting Merit Award (2014)\, the Hong Kong College of Physicians Young Investigators’ Award (2014). Nominated by patients and their caregivers\, Dr. Loong led the Lung Cancer Team at CUHK to be bestowed the IASLC Foundation Cancer Care Team Award in recognition for providing the best thoracic oncology care in “Asia & Rest of the World” in 2018. \nDr. Loong has served or continues to serve in various capacities in various professional international oncology bodies\, including the International Affairs Committee and the Asia-Pacific Regional Council of ASCO\, the Membership\, Education and Communications Committees of the IASLC. He has been elected as a Board Member of the Connective Tissue Oncology Society (CTOS) for 2022-2024. He is also a founding executive committee member of the newly formed Asia Pacific Oncology Drug Development Network (APODDC). He is also a Board Member in the specialty of Medical Oncology in the Hong Kong College of Physicians. In his appointment as a Registration Committee member of Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong\, he helps oversee the registration of medicinal products and clinical trials in the territory. \nThank you to our 2023 Webinar Sponsors!
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/gist-updates-from-ctos/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events,Webcast
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231207T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231207T130000
DTSTAMP:20260405T081221
CREATED:20231116T164425Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231116T164647Z
UID:10000633-1701954000-1701954000@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:Matching Biomarkers to Disease Biology & Therapy
DESCRIPTION:The Life Raft Group is partnering with Dr. Jason Sicklick of UC San Diego Health’s Moores Cancer Center to present “Matching Biomarker to Biology and Therapy” for the GIST community on December 7th\, 2023 at 1:00 PM ET. During this virtual presentation\, Dr. Sicklick will discuss the importance of biomarker testing and research that correlates the biology of GIST with treatment. A Q&A session will follow the presentations. \nPlease note that this webinar is not a substitute for your physician’s guidance and care.\nREGISTERAbout Our Presenters\nDr. Jason Sicklick\nMoores Cancer Center\, US San Diego Health \nDr. Sicklick is an internationally recognized surgical oncologist who specializes in treating gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST)\, abdominal/retroperitoneal sarcomas\, and liver tumors. \nHe is a champion of innovation and collaboration to improve outcomes for cancer patients. He leader of the Sarcoma Disease Team and Co-leader of the Structural and Function Genomics Program at UC San Diego Health’s Moores Cancer Center. Dr. Sicklick is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Soft-Tissue Sarcoma Committee and GIST Subcommittee\, which develops best practices for treating these rare and often challenging-to-treat cancers. \nAs professor of surgery and pharmacology at UC San Diego School of Medicine\, Dr. Sicklick conducts basic\, translational and clinical research to improve our understanding of GIST\, as well as to enhance precision medicine approaches for treating metastatic cancers. His laboratory focuses on the molecular mechanisms of GIST development and drug resistance. \nThank you to our 2023 Webinar Sponsors!
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/matching-biomarkers-to-disease/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240229T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240229T130000
DTSTAMP:20260405T081221
CREATED:20240220T193104Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240221T182457Z
UID:10000768-1709211600-1709211600@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:GIST Leaping into Clinical Trials
DESCRIPTION:REGISTER\nJoin us as we leap into the world of GIST clinical trials. In this session of our ‘Let’s Get the GIST of It Series’\, we will discuss new and emerging clinical trials\, as well as updates from existing trials. We will focus on details of each trial including trial site locations and eligibility criteria. \nWe will talk about trials that are for KIT\, PDGFRA\, SDH-deficient mutations along with NTRK fusions. The session will be interactive\, so attendees are encouraged to ask questions and participate. We invite patients and caregivers to attend. \nThe event will be hosted by Sahibjeet Parmar\, Director of Data Management & Research at The Life Raft Group.
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/gist-leaping-into-clinical-trials/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Denisse Evans":MAILTO:devans@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240411T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240411T120000
DTSTAMP:20260405T081221
CREATED:20240313T180524Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240403T190917Z
UID:10000770-1712836800-1712836800@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:Gaining Insight on the INSIGHT Phase 3 Study
DESCRIPTION:The Life Raft Group is partnering with Dr. Neeta Somaiah of MD Anderson Cancer Center to host "Gaining Insight on the Phase 3 INSIGHT Clinical Trial" for the GIST community on April 11th\, 2024 from 12-1:15 pm ET. During the webinar\, Dr. Somaiah will present an overview of Deciphera Pharmaceutical's Phase 3 INSIGHT Clinical Trial. This study tests the investigational use of ripretinib in a subset of patients living with GIST. Webinar participants will learn about the INSIGHT study\, including eligibility\, site locations\, and study rationale. A Q & A session will follow the presentation.    \nPlease email srothschild@liferaftgroup.org to submit a question ahead of the presentation.  \n\n\n\n\nPlease note that this webinar is not a substitute for your physician's guidance and care.\nREGISTERAbout Our Presenter\nNeeta Somaiah\, MD\nMD Anderson Cancer Center \nDr. Neeta Somaiah received her medical degree from Maulana Azad Medical College in New Delhi\, India and has trained at St. John’s Episcopal in New York\, Drexel University Hospital and Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia\, prior to joining MD Anderson Cancer Center.  \nDr. Somaiah joined MD Anderson Cancer Center in 2012.  She has thirteen years of sarcoma and clinical research experience. She is board certified in Medical Oncology.  Her primary clinical and research focus is soft tissue sarcomas\, specifically liposarcomas and GIST.  She currently serves as the Principal Investigator of three investigator-initiated trials and nine cooperative group and industry-sponsored clinical trials at MD Anderson Cancer Center and has in depth knowledge with extensive experience in the design and execution of clinical trials. She also has multiple ongoing collaborations for translational research\, both retrospective and prospective\, that help improve the understanding of these rare group of diseases and explore the role of immunotherapy as a therapeutic avenue.  Dr. Somaiah has been presented many honors for her expertise and contributions to science\, including an Exceptional Women in Medicine award and is among the top 1% providers nationally.   \nThank you to our Webinar Sponsor!
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/gaining-insight-on-the-insight-phase-3-study/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events,Webcast
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240430T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240430T120000
DTSTAMP:20260405T081221
CREATED:20240403T191818Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240403T191818Z
UID:10000771-1714478400-1714478400@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:Educate Yourself on GIST Research
DESCRIPTION:How to Educate Yourself on GIST Research – Searching the Web for GIST Science Publications\nLife Raft Group Science Team Member Jim Hughes will present “How to Educate Yourself on GIST Research- Searching the Web for GIST Science Publications” to GIST patients & caregivers on April 30th\, 2024 at 12pm ET. During this virtual presentation\, Jim will outline the importance of patients and caregivers researching their cancer in order to best advocate for themselves. Jim will explain the importance of GIST publications and how to effectively do your own research\, and how to work together with fellow community members to share research findings. \nPlease email srothschild@liferaftgroup.org to submit a question ahead of the presentation.  \n\n\n\nPlease note that this webinar is not a substitute for your physician’s guidance and care.\nREGISTERAbout Our Presenter\n \nJim Hughes\nLRG Clinical Trials Database Coordinator/Science Team Member \nJim Hughes attended Kenyon College\, Ohio and Loyola University\, Chicago where he earned a BA in Philosophy. Between schools Jim served as an officer in the United States Army in the US and Vietnam and following his service worked in telecommunications for 35 years. \nJim and Margi are the parents of two children\, Nancy and Jamie. Nancy Hughes Welsh was an early member of The Life Raft Group (2002). Nancy was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma in 1991 at age 23. After ten years of surgery and chemotherapy Nancy was re-diagnosed with GIST in 2001. Nancy participated in the Phase Three imatinib trial in 2001 and the Phase Two sunitinib trial in 2003. Nancy’s GIST was eventually diagnosed as SDH epimutant and passed away in 2005. \nJim serves as a Life Raft Group Board Member\, our Clinical Trials Database Coordinator and is a founding member of the LRG Science Team. \n  \nThank you to our Webinar Sponsors!
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/educate-yourself-on-gist-research/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events,Webcast
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240518T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240518T150000
DTSTAMP:20260405T081221
CREATED:20240202T144246Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240813T205301Z
UID:10000766-1716021000-1716044400@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:GDOL Chicago 2024
DESCRIPTION:GDOL Chicago is an in-person event and will be held at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine\, Lurie Baldwin Auditorium. \nREGISTERWhat 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 Diana Nieves at dnieves@liferaftgroup.org \nClick image for a PDF of the Agenda: \nThank you to our Sponsors!
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/gdol-chicago-2024/
LOCATION:Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine\, Lurie Baldwin Auditorium\, 303 East Superior Street\, Chicago\, IL\, United States
CATEGORIES:Education,Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Diana Nieves":MAILTO:dnieves@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240522T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240522T110000
DTSTAMP:20260405T081221
CREATED:20240422T181945Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240423T174622Z
UID:10000772-1716375600-1716375600@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:Demystifying Clinical Trials
DESCRIPTION:Insights from Experts and Participants\nJoin us May 22nd at 11am ET for an informative webinar presented by Dr. Candace Haddox of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute offering invaluable insights into the world of clinical trials in honor of International Clinical Trials Awareness Day. Dr. Haddox will delve into the fundamentals of clinical trials\, discussing their significance\, weighing the pros and cons of participation\, and guiding attendees through the entire process\, from initiation to conclusion. Following Dr. Haddox’s presentation\, there will be an interactive discussion with GISTer Kandee Evans\, currently enrolled in a clinical trial\, offering firsthand experiences and perspectives. A Q&A session will follow the presentation. \nPlease email srothschild@liferaftgroup.org to submit a question ahead of the presentation.  \n\n\n\nPlease note that this webinar is not a substitute for your physician’s guidance and care.\nREGISTERAbout Our Presenters\n \nDr. Candace Haddox \nDana-Farber Cancer Institute \nDr. Haddox is an Instructor in Medicine at Harvard Medical School\, and a medical oncologist and clinical/translational investigator in the Sarcoma Center and the Center for Cancer Therapeutic Innovation at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Dr. Haddox’s research focuses on developing novel therapies rooted in sarcoma biology and determining mechanisms of treatment response and resistance\, particularly in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). \nDr. Haddox received her Bachelor of Science in neurobiology from the University of Miami. She completed a post-baccalaureate research fellowship at the National Institutes of Health and received her Medical Degree from the University of South Florida. Dr. Haddox completed a residency in Internal Medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester\, Minnesota\, and a fellowship in Medical Oncology at Duke University\, where she also served as Chief Fellow. She joined the faculty at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in 2021\, where she currently sees patients with sarcomas and leads clinical trials in early drug development. \n \nKandee Evans \nGIST Advocate \nWith a career spanning over three decades\, Kandee Evans is a project management veteran who knows how to make things happen. After dedicating 30 years to her profession\, Kandee recently left her job to focus on her health as a GIST survivor and warrior. Not one to back down from a challenge\, she previously advocated fiercely for her oldest son when he was diagnosed with autism at just two years old. Now\, as a devoted wife and mother of two amazing sons\, Kandee continues to take on each day with grace\, courage\, and determination. \nAt the forefront of GIST research\, Kandee is making a difference through participation. She enrolled in a clinical trial with the University of Miami in February 2024\, she is helping test the effects of IDRX-42 under the direction of Dr. Jonathan Trent.  Her selfless commitment will provide key insights and move science one step closer to finding a treatment for this devastating disease. Kandee’s courage underscores the power of individuals to advance medical progress through clinical trial involvement. \nThank you to our Webinar Sponsors!
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/demystifying-clinical-trials-insights-from-experts-and-participants/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events,Webcast
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240618T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240618T190000
DTSTAMP:20260405T081221
CREATED:20240422T181458Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240422T182217Z
UID:10000773-1718737200-1718737200@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:Updates from ASCO
DESCRIPTION:The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is an important conference in the oncology community where new scientific research updates are shared. The Life Raft Group is excited to partner with Dr. Herbert Loong\, who will summarize abstracts and presentations that were presented during ASCO 2024 that are relevant to the GIST patient community. Join us June 18th at 7pm ET for this virtual presentation. A Q&A session will follow the presentation. \nPlease email srothschild@liferaftgroup.org to submit a question ahead of the presentation.  \n\n\n\nPlease note that this webinar is not a substitute for your physician’s guidance and care.\nREGISTERAbout Our Presenter\n \nDr. Herbert H. Loong\nThe Chinese University of Hong Kong \nDr. Herbert H. Loong holds conjoint appointments of Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Clinical Oncology and Deputy Medical Director of the Phase 1 Clinical Trials Centre of The Chinese University of Hong Kong. He is also the current and founding convenor of the Prince of Wales Hospital Adult Sarcoma Multidisciplinary Team. \nDr. Loong has served or continues to serve in various capacities in various professional international oncology bodies\, including the International Affairs Committee and the Asia-Pacific Regional Council of ASCO\, the Membership\, Education and Communications Committees of the IASLC. He has been elected as a Board Member of the Connective Tissue Oncology Society (CTOS) for 2022-2024. He is also a founding executive committee member of the newly formed Asia Pacific Oncology Drug Development Network (APODDC). He is also a Board Member in the specialty of Medical Oncology in the Hong Kong College of Physicians. In his appointment as a Registration Committee member of Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong\, he helps oversee the registration of medicinal products and clinical trials in the territory. \nThank you to our Webinar Sponsors!
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/updates-asco-2024/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events,Webcast
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240712T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240712T120000
DTSTAMP:20260405T081221
CREATED:20240617T175754Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250311T151017Z
UID:10000784-1720785600-1720785600@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:GIST Awareness Day: A Focus on GIST Research
DESCRIPTION:July 13th\, GIST Awareness Day\, is a time when GIST experts\, patients\, and caregivers come together to educate the public about this disease and advocate for finding a cure.  The Life Raft Group invites GIST patients and caregivers to celebrate GIST Awareness Day with us on July 12th at 12PM ET. During this virtual event\, Dr. Matthew Hemming and PhD candidate Favour Akabogu of UMass Cancer Center will discuss exploring mechanisms driving GIST\, treatment efficacy\, and clinical outcomes\, as well as the importance of patient involvement in rare disease research. An interactive Q&A segment will follow their presentations. \n\nPlease email srothschild@liferaftgroup.org to submit a question ahead of the presentation.  \n\n\n\nPlease note that this webinar is not a substitute for your physician’s guidance and care.\nREGISTERAbout Our Presenters\n \nDr. Matthew Hemming\nUMass Chan Medical School \nDr. Matthew Hemming  is an assistant professor of medicine at UMass Chan Medical School\, practicing sarcoma medical oncologist\, and principal investigator of the SarcomaLab. He received his BS from UC San Diego\, PhD from Harvard University\, and MD from Harvard Medical School. He completed internal medicine residency at Massachusetts General Hospital and Hematology/Oncology fellowship at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. He has focused his clinical practice and laboratory work on sarcoma and GIST\, with the goal to improve diagnostic and treatment strategies through basic and translational research. \n \nFavour Akabogu\nPhD Candidate \nFavour Akabogu is a PhD candidate in the SarcomaLab through the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at UMass Chan Medical School where she studies gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) with a focus on identifying novel treatment options. She got her B.A in Biology at Berea College in Kentucky and worked as a Research Associate at Vanderbilt University where she investigated the role of Discodain Domain Receptors (DDRs) in the progression of acute kidney injury to kidney fibrosis. Additionally\, she worked in collaboration with the CDC on understanding the household transmission respiratory disease particularly SARS-CoV2\, RSV and Influenza. She is passionate about healthcare and drug discovery through scientific innovation. She loves traveling\, dancing\, and spending time with family and friends in her free time. \nThank you to our Webinar Sponsors!
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/gist-awareness-day-a-focus-on-gist-research/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events,Webcast
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240719
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240722
DTSTAMP:20260405T081221
CREATED:20230809T123922Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240816T145009Z
UID:10000624-1721347200-1721606399@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:Life Fest 2024 - San José
DESCRIPTION:REGISTERLife Fest 2024 is July 19th – 21st in San José\, CA!\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. Each year brings a wealth of new information\, and patients are eager to learn about the latest 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 as they struggle day by day for survival.  \nThe Life Raft Group emerged in recognition of the tremendous need for support in the GIST community. Life Fest 2024 will provide patients and caregivers with that support. Coming 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 2024 will feature scientific presentations highlighting the newest research and the latest treatments.  \nView presentations & photo galleries of previous Life Fest events \nClick image for a PDF of the Agenda: \n \nParking\, Hotels & Flights\nParking for the conference location (Signia Hilton Hotel San Jose): \nValet parking from Reef Valet at the hotel is available for $47 overnight. Hourly parking rates are $20.00 for the first hour with $2.00 for each additional hour (not to exceed $47.00. \nAlternate parking:\n50 W San Fernando St Garage\, (408) 283-5063\nhttps://www.parkme.com/lot/22188/50-west-san-jose-ca\n \n285 S Market St Parking Lot\nhttps://www.parkvel.com/california/san-jose/285-s-market-st-parking/ \nFor additional parking locations nearby and located in downtown: https://www.sanjose.org/trip-ideas/parking \nHotel Information\nThe LRG has secured two blocks of hotel rooms for guests stays at two price points. \nThese special group rates will be available until July 1\, 2024. \nSignia Hilton San Jose\n170 S Market Street\nSan Jose\, CA 95113\n408-998-3975 \nLife Fest Group* \n\nRooms are available at the Hilton San Jose at a different price point. This hotel is within walking distance from our Life Fest conference site at the Signia. \nThese special group rates will be available until June 25\, 2024. \nHilton San Jose\n300 Almaden Boulevard\nSan Jose\, CA 95110\n408.947.4453 \nLIFE FEST (hilton.com) \n\nAirline Discounts for Life Fest attendees:\nDelta Air Lines is pleased to offer special discounts for The Life Raft Group. \nPlease click here to book your flights. \nYou may also call Delta Meeting Network® at 1.800.328.1111* Monday–Friday\, 8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (EST) and refer to Meeting Event Code NM3GE*Please note there is not a service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via our reservation 800 number. \n\nUnited Airlines is pleased to partner with The Life Raft Group for special discounts.\nTo make flight reservations\, please click on discount code ZPCQ398065 \n– MileagePlus members earn valuable miles for their travel when using the Meetings discount code.\n– You may also call United Meetings Reservation Desk Monday – Friday at (800) 426-1122 for booking assistance.\n– Booking fees are waived for Meeting reservations.\n– International customers may contact their local United Reservation Desk. \n\nDonate to the Life Fest Scholarship Fund 2024\nAny questions about Life Fest 2024? \nPlease reach out to Brian Morello\, Director of Development\, at bmorello@liferaftgroup.org \nOur Sponsors:
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/life-fest-2024-san-jose/
LOCATION:Signia by Hilton San Jose\, 170 S. Market St\, San Jose\, CA\, United States
CATEGORIES:Education,Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Brian Morello":MAILTO:bmorello@liferaftgroup.org
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