Symptom and Side Effect Management
2019-06-18 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | NJ
Listen to the Webcast

GIST and its treatment can cause a variety of symptoms. Adequate management of symptoms can improve a patient’s quality of life. Proper management can also allow the patient to remain on treatment without a decrease in dosage, interruption of treatment, or even the discontinuation of treatment. Staying on treatment as prescribed gives patients the best chance of a good outcome and in some cases has been shown to improve survival rates.
In this webcast, Dr. Lori Williams, Associate Professor in the Department of Symptom Research at MD Anderson Cancer Center, will review common symptoms associated with GIST and some of its treatments. She will present methods patients can use to self-manage symptoms as well as how to discuss and when to report symptoms to health care providers.
Pete Knox, LRG Senior Director of Research, will also share an update on our interactive side effects management platform, SideEQ. This platform is a great tool to allow patients to optimize their overall health by learning and sharing tips with others on how to manage side effects. To learn more, visit MySideEQ.org
There will be a 15 minute Q & A at the end of the presentation.
About the Presenters:
Dr. Lori Williams is an Associate Professor in the Department of Symptom Research at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and an Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse. She has worked in oncology nursing for more than 35 years. She is a member of the executive board of the Patient Advocate and National Patient Advocate Foundations and a secretary-treasurer of the Board of the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation. Her current work at MD Anderson involves the study of symptoms of cancer and cancer treatment. She is currently working with leadership at MD Anderson to institute routine clinical symptom monitoring for all patients.
As Senior Director of Research, Pete Knox is a key member of the Real World Evidence Team, utilizing his analytic skills to provide strategic oversight of the Life Raft Group’s research and data platforms. In this role, he identifies and develops potential collaborations with institutions and organizations that utilize data to advance research, with the goal of improving overall survival and quality of life for GIST patients.

Technical Tips to Join Meeting:

This is a web only meeting, accessed only by your internet connection. Participants are encouraged to use the web link automatically provided after registration and to use computer speakers (and/or headsets if available) to hear the audio portion of the meeting. Please log in at least ten minutes prior to the start of the webinar.
Please ensure you have an updated version of Adobe Flash Player (Google Chrome has Flash built in).
If you are using a mobile device or tablet, in order to view and hear the conference, download the ReadyTalk App from your App store.

Disclaimer:
We cannot provide individual medical advice during this webcast. Information provided in this webcast is not intended as a substitute for your physician’s guidance and care.

GDOL Portland 2019
2019-06-22 08:30 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Oregon Health & Science University, Robertson Life Sciences Building, 2730 SW Moody Ave, Room 2S060, Portland, OR, 97201, United States
See recap of event

GDOL (GIST Day of Learning) 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.
The 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.

View agenda for GDOL Portland

Register by clicking the button above. Any questions, please contact Diana Nieves, dnieves@liferaftgroup.org

HAGÁMOSLO POSIBLE
2019-07-13 | NJ
A GIST Awareness Day event presented by Fundación GIST Chile on July 13, 2019
Día internacional de la concientización del GIST
Colaboremos para lograr tener diagnósticos oportunos y tratamientos adecuados para los pacientes con GIST, y para tener una Ley Nacional del Cáncer con financiamiento.

download flyer
Hagámoslo posible – GIST Chile
GIST and other gastrointestinal cancer patients and caregivers will meet to raise awareness of the needs of cancer patients in Chile to have a National Cancer Law with a budget assigned by the government.
Agenda:
Welcome new patients
How can we help ourselves to have a good quality of life?
Update on news regarding the status of the National Cancer Law
Coffee Break
Share individual experiences
Group and individual GAD 2019 photos
Location:
Av. Cristobal Colon 4198, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
For more information contact: pfernandez@gistchile.cl

GAD Luncheon - Metro NY Area
2019-07-13 13:00 (America/New_York) | NJ
Hello NY Metro area GISTers!
Please let me know if you are able to join us this year at our annual GIST Awareness Day luncheon on July 13th at 1:00 pm.
July 13th at 1:00 pm – Please RSVP asap to Pat Swenson.
Bethpage State Park

GIST Awareness Day - Mumbai, India
2019-07-14 | NJ
The Max Foundation is planning a special day for Friends of Max (FOM) on Sunday, July 14th in Mumbai, India to observe and celebrate GIST Day of Awareness (GAD) 2019. This is the annual Patient Group Meeting for the FOM Mumbai City Chapter in the Tata Memorial Hospital auditorium. We are expecting a large group of CML and GIST patients as well as our oncologist fraternity and many of our nonprofit peers from around the city. Please join us! For more information contact Viji Venkatesh at vvenkatesh@themaxfoundation.org or Nikhil Guhagarkar at gdental99@gmail.com.

Understanding Deciphera's INTRIGUE Clinical Trial
2019-07-15 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | NJ
July 15th, 4-5pm ET
Presented by Dr. Jonathan Trent, Professor of Medicine, Associate Director, Sarcoma Medical Research Program, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami – Miami, Florida, USA
During the webinar Deciphera will provide education on the following topics:

An overview of Deciphera Pharmceuticals, Inc.
Understanding gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST)
Current treatment options for GIST patients
An overview of the INTRIGUE Clinical Trial

Viewing Link: www.intriguewebinar.com
Dial-in Number: 1-877-594-8353
Access code: [REDACTED]
Download Deciphera Intrigue flyer

GIST Awareness Day - Nairobi, Kenya
2019-07-20 08:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Nairobi Hospital Cancer Center, Nairobi, Kenya
Celebrate GIST Awareness Day (GAD) at a GIST Day of Learning from 8-11am on July 20th at The Nairobi Hospital Cancer Center with Henzo Kenya, in partnership with The Nairobi Hospital and The Max Foundation. You can download the flyer pictured below here.

Novel Treatments in GIST
2019-07-24 14:00 (America/New_York) | NJ
View Webcast

Sarcoma EuroNet (SPAEN) is hosting this webcast on July 24th 2019, 8pm CEST/2pm EST by Dr. Jonathan Trent, Professor of Medicine, Associate Director, Clinical Research Director, Sarcoma Medical Research Program, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA.
Link to join via computer: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/801950117
Access Code: 801-950-117

LRG Webcast Series: When to Consider Surgery
2019-08-08 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | NJ
This webcast will address the issues surrounding the decision to have an operation. Most GIST patients will see a surgeon at some point during their treatment. The decision to consider surgical options depends on a number of factors such as tumor location, tumor size, tumor number, response to drug therapy, and risk of recurrence.
Dr. Jason Sicklick from Moores Cancer Center at the University of California San Diego will discuss situations when surgical management may be appropriate for managing localized, regionally advanced and metastatic GIST.

Listen To The Webcast

There will be a 15 minute Q & A at the end of the presentation.

About the Presenter:
Jason K. Sicklick, MD, FACS, is an Associate Professor of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology; and Co-Director, Biorepository and Tissue Technology Shared Resource, Moores Cancer Center at the University of California, San Diego, UC San Diego Health Sciences.

Technical Tips to Join Meeting:

This is a web-only meeting, accessed only by your internet connection. Participants are encouraged to use the web link automatically provided after registration and to use computer speakers (and/or headsets if available) to hear the audio portion of the meeting. Please log in at least ten minutes prior to the start of the webinar.
Please ensure you have an updated version of Adobe Flash Player (Google Chrome has Flash built-in).
If you are using a mobile device or tablet, in order to view and hear the conference, download the ReadyTalk App from your App store.

Disclaimer:
We cannot provide individual medical advice during this webcast. Information provided in this webcast is not intended as a substitute for your physician’s guidance and care.

Informational Webinar on Avapritinib
2019-08-20 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | NJ
Informational Webinar on Avapritinib Clinical Trial Program in GIST – presented by Blueprint Medicines

RECAP HERE

Tuesday, August 20, Blueprint Medicines is working with The Life Raft Group and GIST Support International to host a webinar providing a data update from the registration-enabling NAVIGATOR trial of the investigational treatment avapritinib in patients with PDGFRA Exon 18 mutant GIST and fourth-line GIST. These data were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting on June 1, 2019. Please see here for the press release summarizing the data and the slides presented at ASCO.
The webinar will be held on August 20th beginning at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time (1:00 p.m., Pacific Time). Maria Roche, Senior Medical Director at Blueprint Medicines, will provide an overview of the data presented at ASCO and an update on ongoing or planned studies in multiple lines of GIST treatment. We invite patients with GIST and their families to participate in this informational webinar – see details to access the webinar below.
Please submit suggested questions that you would like to be addressed during the webinar to patients@blueprintmedicines.com by Thursday, August 15th.

Colorado Support Group Meeting
2019-09-07 | NJ
A Colorado Life Raft support group meeting is being held on Saturday, Sept.
7th at 11:00am in the Denver suburbs (80111 area code). All GISTers and caregivers/family are welcome.
With David Josephy of The Life Raft Group Canada
Please email for specifics if interested.
John Abrams
LRG Colorado State Leader

Contact for more information/RSVP

Special Guest: David Josephy

David Josephy is a Profesor of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Guelph, where he has taught for more than 35 years. He has been President of GIST Sarcoma Life Raft Group Canada (LRGC) since its inception in 2009. In 2010, David spent a sabbatical term working in the laboratory of Dr. Jonathan Fletcher, a leading GIST researcher at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. David is a member of the Science Team of The Life Raft Group (USA) and collaborates with GIST patient support groups around the world. His research interests are in the field of Molecular Toxicology. He is particularly interested in the scientific basis for development of new small-molecule drugs for GIST

LRG Webcast Series: Medicare 101
2019-09-09 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | NJ
Medicare 101: An Overview of the A, B, C, and Ds of Medicare

The A B C’s of Medicare: Everything you need to know
What is Medicare, am I eligible and how do I enroll?
What does Medicare cover?
How much does it cost?
Which path should I choose – Medigap Supplement Insurance or Medicare Advantage Plan?
How about Prescription Drug coverage?
Financial Assistance Programs to help with Medicare costs

RECAP HERE

There will be a 15 minute Q & A at the end of the presentation.
About the Presenter:
Kathy Sarmiento has been working for the Alliance for Aging for fifteen years. The Alliance for Aging is the non-profit Area Agency on Aging for Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties in Florida. In her role as the SHINE Liaison, Kathy manages the all aspects of the free SHINE Medicare counseling program. Kathy also manages the Benefits Enrollment Center at the Alliance for Aging. The Benefits Enrollment Center is a grant from the National Council on Aging to provide five core benefits to financially needy Medicare beneficiaries. Those five core benefits are Medicaid, food assistance, assistance paying for Medicare, Prescription Drug assistance and assistance paying the light bill.

Technical Tips to Join Meeting:

This is a web-only meeting, accessed only by your internet connection. Participants are encouraged to use the web link automatically provided after registration and to use computer speakers (and/or headsets if available) to hear the audio portion of the meeting. Please log in at least ten minutes prior to the start of the webinar.
Please ensure you have an updated version of Adobe Flash Player (Google Chrome has Flash built-in).
If you are using a mobile device or tablet, in order to view and hear the conference, download the ReadyTalk App from your App store.

Disclaimer:
We cannot provide individual medical advice during this webcast. Information provided in this webcast is not intended as a substitute for your physician’s guidance and care.

LRG Webcast Series: Updates on the Temozolomide Trial
2019-09-11 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | NJ
The Temozolomide Trial for SDH-deficient GIST Patients
GIST is becoming increasingly diverse. SDH-deficient GIST and paragangliomas often occur in adolescents and young adults. Since these SDH mutations are germline, multiple generations of family members are affected.

Dr. Jason Sicklick of Moores Cancer Center at the University of California San Diego will present a webcast detailing the Phase II study of Temozolomide (TMZ) in advanced SDH-mutant/deficient GIST, a new study available to patients with SDH-deficient GIST.

Listen to the Webinar

About the Presenter:
Jason K. Sicklick, MD, FACS, is an Associate Professor of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology; and Co-Director, Biorepository and Tissue Technology Shared Resource, Moores Cancer Center at the University of California, San Diego, UC San Diego Health Sciences.

Technical Tips to Join Meeting:

This is a web-only meeting, accessed only by your internet connection. Participants are encouraged to use the web link automatically provided after registration and to use computer speakers (and/or headsets if available) to hear the audio portion of the meeting. Please log in at least ten minutes prior to the start of the webinar.
Please ensure you have an updated version of Adobe Flash Player (Google Chrome has Flash built-in).
If you are using a mobile device or tablet, in order to view and hear the conference, download the ReadyTalk App from your App store.

Disclaimer:
We cannot provide individual medical advice during this webcast. Information provided in this webcast is not intended as a substitute for your physician’s guidance and care.

GIST Day of Learning - Ottawa
2019-09-28 09:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | Ottawa Conference and Event Centre, 200 Coventry Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1K 4S3, Canada
GDOL Ottawa
Registration is open for the GIST Day of Learning in Ottawa. This is a one-day conference that provides education and support for people living with Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour (GIST), a soft-tissue sarcoma that can occur anywhere along the GI tract. The speakers at the GIST Day of Learning will cover many aspects of living with and understanding GIST. This conference will also provide a great opportunity to connect with other GIST patients and caregivers as well as the speakers.
The Day of Learning is open to those who have GIST, family members, caregivers, healthcare providers and anyone who wishes to learn more about GIST.
There is no cost for attending the GIST Day of Learning.

Register

Agenda:
(As of 8/29/19, please check at https://liferaftgroup.ca/join-us-at-the-ottawa-gist-day-of-learning/ to register and see updates)

GDOL Location:
Ottawa Conference and Event Centre
200 Coventry Road, Ottawa, ON K1K 4S3
Free Parking
Conference Hotel:
Courtyard by Marriott Ottawa East
200 Coventry Road
Ottawa, ON K1K 4S3
Free Parking

We gratefully acknowledge our GIST Day of Learning sponsors

LRG Webcast Series: Dental Healthcare in GIST
2019-10-07 | NJ
Dr. Nikhil Guhagarkar will be discussing the dental and oral complications of drugs used in GIST treatment and treatment of these side effects. He will also speak about methods of maintaining good oral hygiene. This video will be prerecorded and released on October 7th and Dr. Guhagarkar will answer questions that you’ve submitted. Please submit questions ahead of time, you may do so here:

Listen to the Webcast
Dr. Guhagarkar is a GISTer and active GIST advocate. He is a City Chapter Leader for Friends of Max India, a Board Member of SPAEN, the author of a Friends Of Max publication titled, “A Guide to Nutrition and Holistic Way of Living with GIST” and participated as an expert in the LRG Webcast Series with “Nutrition and Healthy Living with GIST.”
About the Presenter:
Dr. Nikhil Guhagarkar is an Oral And Maxillofacial Surgeon and Dentist and has over 21 years of experience in his field. Dr. Guhagarkar practices at the Guhagarkar Dental Care Centre in Vileparle, Mumbai, India. He completed his BDS from Government Dental College & Hospital, Mumbai in 1994 and MDS – Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery from Nair Hospital Dental College (NHDC), Mumbai in 1998. He is a member of Indian Dental Association and Indian Association of Oral Surgery.

Technical Tips to Join Meeting:

This is a recorded presentation which will be released on October 7th. Further instructions will be forthcoming. Dr. Guhagarkar will answer your questions. If you wish to submit questions, please do so here: QUESTIONS

Disclaimer:
We cannot provide individual medical advice during this webcast. Information provided in this webcast is not intended as a substitute for your physician’s guidance and care.

GIST CHAT 101: Learn the Basics
2019-10-15 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | NJ
GIST CHAT 101: Learn the Basics

GIST CHAT is our new ListServ replacement launching on October 15th.

During the webinar we will show you how to:

Register
Post
Reply
Search
…and a few other helpful tips and tricks

Watch the Webinar

Night to Fight Cancer 2019
2019-10-24 18:00 (America/New_York) | Midtown Loft & Terrace, 267 5th Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, United States
Join us for Night to Fight Cancer!
LRG Fundraiser
Doors open at 6 pm. Games start at 7 pm.

Register

ALL IN DONATION (POKER & CASINO) – $750
Entry into a charity poker tournament with the opportunity to win prizes
Each guest starts with $5,000 worth of chips for poker
Each guest receives $500 worth of chips for other casino games
Each guest has the opportunity for unlimited Re-Buys during the first hour (Re-Buys cost $500 and get you $2,000 worth of chips)
Open bar and food
POKER DONATION – $600
Entry into a poker tournament with the opportunity to win prizes
Each guest starts with $5,000 worth of chips
Each guest has the opportunity for unlimited Re-Buys during the first hour (Re-Buys cost $500 and get you $2,000 worth of chips)
Open bar and food
CASINO DONATION – $300
Entry into the event to play casino games (Blackjack, roulette, craps)
Each guest starts with $500 worth of chips
Opportunity to purchase additional chips (Additional chips cost $40 for $200 worth of chips and $100 for $500 worth of chips)
Each guest will have the opportunity to upgrade to a poker player for $300 (before games start)
Open bar and food
Club Sponsors
Hearts Sponsors

NJ Support Group Meeting
2019-11-02 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | The Life Raft Group, 155 US Highway 46, Ste. 202, Wayne Plaza II, Wayne, NJ, 07470, United States
Join us at the LRG Office in Wayne, NJ on Saturday, November 2nd for a GIST Support Group at 10am.
Meet other GISTers and Caregivers.

North Carolina GISTers Lunch
2019-11-12 11:30 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | Firebirds, 6801 Northlake Mall Dr, Charlotte, NJ, 28216, United States
North Carolina GISTers Lunch
Join us at Firebirds in the Northlake Mall, Charlotte, NC,
on Tuesday, November, 12 at 11:30 am.
Please RSVP to Carolyn DeWalt @ ckdew77@aol.com
or call 704-860-8201 for more information.
RSVP

Spokane Area GISTers Luncheon
2020-01-25 12:00 (America/New_York) | Europa Restaurant & Bakery, 125 S. Wall, Spokane, WA, 99201, United States
The Spokane Area Life Raft Group (LRG) luncheon plans are a bit changed, but we are looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible! Instead of meeting at our home, we moved the no host luncheon to Europa Restaurant and Bakery in downtown Spokane. This location is a bit more central and will save a little driving. If you’re wondering about what we plan on doing, it will be very informal. Some have let me know you’re planning to attend, and I really appreciate hearing from you. Others, have not responded.
As for an agenda, I have some literature from LRG to share, but mostly we will be getting to know each other, sharing our stories and talking about resources in the area. I’ve been to these events in other parts of the state and have met great people.
Saturday, January 25, 2020
Time: 12:00 noon
Place: Europa Restaurant
Address: 125 S. Wall, Spokane, WA
Please RSVP so we can better plan with Europa.
If you have questions, call Linda Jackson at 509-220-3989.

Chicago - LRG Support Group Meeting
2020-01-25 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Wellness House, 131 North County Line Road, Hinsdale, IL, 60521, United States
Chicago Area GIST Patients will meet at Wellness House in Hinsdale, IL on January 25, 2020.
All Chicago area GIST patients and caregivers are welcome to attend. Meetings are from 1:00 p.m.to 3:00 p.m.. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. and close at 3:30 p.m.. Wellness house is located at 131 N County Line Rd., one block east of Hinsdale Hospital. Parking is free.
Meetings are generally informal. The typical agenda includes patient GIST journey updates and may also include outside subject matter experts as well as informal updates on GIST management and recent GIST publications or meeting presentations.
Attendees are asked to bring a snack or beverage to share before the meeting. If you are planning to attend, please text 847-302-5133 to let us know so we can plan for food and room setup.
There is no charge for the meeting. You do not have to be a member of The Life Raft Group to attend.
Wellness House
131 North County Line Road
Hinsdale, Illinois 60521
Phone 630.323.5150

GISTLEARN Kitchener
2020-01-26 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Mill Courtland Community Centre, 216 Mill St., Kitchener, Ontario
“GIST LEARN Kitchener” is an afternoon meeting to provide education and support for people living with GIST. The speakers at GIST LEARN will cover many aspects of living with and understanding GIST. This meeting also offers a great opportunity for you to connect with other GIST patients and caregivers as well as the speakers.
GIST LEARN meetings are open to those who have GIST, family members, caregivers, healthcare providers and anyone who wishes to learn more about GIST.
Rescheduled to Sunday, January 26th!
(Originally scheduled – Sunday, January 12, 2020)
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Doors open at 1:30 pm
Mill Courtland Community Centre, 216 Mill St., Kitchener, ON
Hazel McLeod will lead an
informal round-table discussion
David Josephy will give a GIST presentation
that includes a Q&A session
To register or for further information call 855-574-4478 or email info@liferaftgroup.ca

David Josephy is a Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Guelph, where he has taught for more than 35 years. He has been President of GIST Sarcoma Life Raft Group Canada (LRGC) since its inception in 2008. In 2010, David spent a sabbatical term working in the laboratory of Dr. Jonathan Fletcher, a leading GIST researcher at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. David is a member of the Science Team of The Life Raft Group (USA) and collaborates with GIST patient support groups around the world. His research interests are in the field of Molecular Toxicology. He is particularly interested in the scientific basis for development of new small-molecule drugs for GIST.
Thank you to our sponsors:

GDOL Seattle 2020
2020-02-15 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Orin Smith Auditorium – Building C, University of Washington, 850 Republican Street, Seattle, 98109, United States
Join us at GDOL Seattle, Saturday, February 15, 2020 hosted in partnership with the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance at the Orin Smith Auditorium (Building C) on the University of Washington campus – 850 Republican St., Seattle, Washington. GDOL Seattle is an event for patients & caregivers to learn more about GIST, find support, & enhance knowledge to help navigate their cancer journey. Meet with other patients and caregivers and experts, clinicians, and researchers in the study and treatment of GIST.
RegisterVIEW AGENDAWhat’s a GDOL? A GDOL is a GIST Day of Learning, a free one-day event to help you, as patients and caregivers, learn more about GIST, find support, and enhance your knowledge base to help you navigate your cancer journey. At a GDOL, you will learn more about your disease from expert clinicians, researchers, and advocates and connect with other patients, caregivers, and family members who are also on this rare journey. You are not alone.
The LRG’s mission is simple: cure GIST and help those living with it until then. To do this, we focus on three key areas: research, patient support & education, and advocacy.
See what a GDOL can offer you – visit this link to see presentations, photos, and posts about past GDOLs:

View Past GDOLs

For questions or more information about GDOL, Diana Nieves, Senior Director, Outreach & Engagement, DNieves@liferaftgroup.org

NC Triangle GISTer Support Group Meetings
2020-02-27 | NJ
The NC Triangle GISTer Group will be meeting in the Raleigh, NC area each month in 2020 on the fourth Thursday of the month.
Contact Carolyn Dewalt at ckdew77@aol.com or 704-860-8201 for more information.

Webinar - New Treatment Options for Rare Diseases in the Soft Tissue - Day 1
2020-03-05 12:00 (America/New_York) | NJ
In honor of Rare Disease in the Soft Tissue Day, OncLive is hosting webinars on March 5 and March 6 at 12pm EST about soft tissue sarcoma. GIST is a soft tissue sarcoma.
Dr. Jonathan Trent
Jonathan Trent, MD, PhD, is a Professor of Medicine, Associate Director of Clinical Research, Director of the Sarcoma Program at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine.
Dr. Trent is a recognized GIST expert.
The webinar will focus on:

Overview of diagnosis and molecular testing
Current treatment algorithms for soft tissue sarcoma
New therapeutic option for PDGFRA+ GIST
Future directions in management

To register for the March 5 webinar:

Register

Webinar - New Treatment Options for Rare Diseases in the Soft Tissue - Day 2
2020-03-06 12:00 (America/New_York) | NJ
In honor of Rare Disease in the Soft Tissue Day, OncLive is hosting webinars on March 5 and March 6 at 12pm EST about soft tissue sarcoma. GIST is a soft tissue sarcoma.
Dr. Neeta Somaiah
Dr. Neeta Somaiah will present on March 6. She is an Associate Professor and the Director of Clinical Sarcoma Research, Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center.
The webinar will focus on:

Overview of diagnosis and molecular testing
Current treatment algorithms for soft tissue sarcoma
New therapeutic option for PDGFRA+ GIST
Future directions in management

To register for the March 6 webinar:

Register

LRG Webcast Series: New Treatment Options for Advanced GIST & Concerns about the Coronavirus
2020-03-23 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | NJ
Avapritinib is a medication used for the treatment of tumors due to one specific rare mutation: It is specifically intended for adults with unresectable or metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor that harbor a platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha exon 18 mutation.
Ripretinib is an investigational broad-spectrum KIT and PDGFRα inhibitor in development for the treatment of patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST).
During this webcast presentation, Dr. Michael Heinrich will discuss these two new treatment options for advanced GIST. Dr. Heinrich will explain how each of these drugs works to target mutations for which there has previously been no targeted treatment. He will also address key questions for GIST patients concerning the coronavirus.
Listen to the recapAbout the Presenter:

Michael Heinrich, M.D.
Professor of Medicine and Cell/Developmental Biology
OHSU School of Medicine
Dr. Heinrich earned his medical degree from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore and completed both his residency training and fellowship in hematology/medical oncology at OHSU.
Dr. Heinrich’s research, like much of the work at the Knight Cancer Institute, revolves around a basic, yet complex premise. You have to understand what is broken in order to fix it. That’s why Dr. Heinrich is intently focused on identifying the molecular targets that cause cancer, which is essential to the development of better and less toxic therapies. He is recognized internationally for groundbreaking research discoveries that have improved care for patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and his research has implications for many types of cancer.

Disclaimer:
We cannot provide individual medical advice during this webcast. Information provided in this webcast is not intended as a substitute for your physician’s guidance and care.

Conversations with the Life Raft Group LIVE
2020-04-02 13:00 (America/New_York) | The Life Raft Group, 155 US Highway 46, Ste. 202, Wayne Plaza II, Wayne, NJ, 07470, United States
Save the Date!
Please join us on Thursday, April 2nd at 1 pm for our first online program Conversations with the Life Raft Group.
Designed to be a source for connection and information for the LRG community, these presentations will address topics of concern for patients and caregivers during the COVID-19 crisis.
Our first conversation will be with our Executive Director, Norman Scherzer. As many of you know, in previous careers Norman worked for the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and served as the Assistant Commissioner of Health for New York City, guiding the public through major health crises such as the AIDS epidemic, Swine flu and many other outbreaks. Norman will discuss strategies for coping with COVID-19.
Viewers will be able to ask questions during the session.
Join the conversation

Virtual GISTer Support Group - FILLED
2020-04-16 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | NJ
This online workshop has been filled. You can use the button below to be put on a waiting list or email Diana Nieves, Senior Director of Outreach & Engagement, at dnieves@liferaftgroup.org, to express your interest in additional sessions.

As we navigate this uncertain time together, we want to offer you a little extra support. Starting Thursday, April 16th at 11am the LRG will have its own weekly support group for people living with GIST facilitated by Chelsea Madia. In an effort to continue social distancing, we will use an electronic platform, to come together for eight consecutive weeks as a small group of 12 participants.
We will talk about all of the feelings you might be experiencing, both in relation to GIST, and also COVID-19. We will share our GISTories, if you are comfortable, and speak freely about the new fears and anxieties we might be feeling as a result of this unprecedented time. The group will be a safe space not only to feel supported by your fellow GIST survivors, but also a place to share our own coping mechanisms to get us through this stressful time. All information shared will be kept confidential.

Waiting List
About the Group Leader:
Chelsea (Ozeri) Madia, LCSW
Chelsea is a licensed clinical social worker in New York, who started in the field in 2011 counseling at-risk teens at the Child Center of New York in Jamaica, Queens. After this, her work took her to the Coalition for the Homeless in lower Manhattan, where she supported mentally ill homeless adults in their quest to move into supportive housing, as well as apply for disability benefits. From there, she worked for nine months on the Psychiatric Mobile Crisis Team at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, before being promoted to Program Manager. In November of 2018, after three years managing the team, Chelsea was diagnosed with metastatic GIST. Since that time, she has been stable on Gleevec, and now is in the early phases of starting her own private counseling practice in New Rochelle, NY.

GIST Meditate - Virtual Event
2020-04-30 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | NJ
GISTMeditate is a part of our virtual GISTEntertainment series
During the current global pandemic, The Life Raft Group wants to reassure you that, as always, we are in this together. We have been working diligently to provide you with the most up to date information regarding COVID-19 and navigating your cancer diagnosis. However, we recognize the stressors that come along with this challenging time.
To help with deal with the stress, we have created a series of virtual fundraising events called GISTEntertainment. Over the next few months we will be hosting several virtual events to keep our community feeling connected. We hope you’ll be able to join us for some relaxation, laughter, and fun!
During this critical time we are asking you to partner with us. Our suggested donation for this event is $10.
Our first GISTEntertainment event will be GIST Meditate on April 30th at noon. Join us for a relaxing meditation while connecting with others in the LRG GIST Community. Meditation can help you lower stress and anxiety, improve focus, reduce brain chatter, connect better and sleep more. During this event, you will learn how to observe your thoughts and feelings without judgement.
registerAbout our presenter:
Sheetal Muhlon
Sheetal Muhlon is a health coach, yoga and meditation teacher, mom of three, former highway engineer and Bar Method Studio owner. She started her “health journey” over a decade ago when she was looking for answers to her exhaustion and migraines. Her doctor told her that her blood test levels were all good and that it was because I had three kids and was getting older but she knew she just wasn’t herself. Her body was not feeling it’s best and she needed to figure this out.

“Growing up my mom would share how we eat certain foods to balance our bodies and maintain a strong immune system. I always had that in my mind and made healthy choices but there were foods I thought were healthy for me but just not working for my body, mind, and spirit. I needed to learn more and enrolled at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and later become certified in yoga. My journey from trying to feel better, to how foods heal and using movement and breath to support my immune system has led me to feel my best! As a health and wellness coach, I help my clients find personalized simple tools to optimize their health and find balance. Strong immunity, longevity, and vitality have become my focus and inspiring others to feel their best, my purpose.” – Sheetal

Thank you to our GISTMeditate Sponsors!
Rob Taylor
Rob Taylor, Silver Sponsor
“During times of struggle, we have options:
1. Do nothing and hope that things somehow gets better,
2. Continue to use the resource and hope that someone shores it up so that we can continue to benefit.
3. Become the somehow, the someone and take the opportunity and responsibility to give and support the resource that has benefited us much. I choose to be the somehow and the someone, I choose to give.”
Margaret McInteer
Margaret McInteer, Bronze Sponsor
“LifeRaft has been a godsend in my life since receiving my gist diagnosis a year ago. I’ve learned so much about my cancer through the experiences of others. I’ve also talked to 3 or 4 Life Raft staff members who have given me guidance and support. But the best part has been the mentor you assigned to me. Kay has called and encouraged me numerous times and was recently instrumental in getting me a video conference with Dr. Trent in Miami. I’m grateful beyond words!”

Bronze $100 – sponsor names announced at beginning of event, post on social media platforms
Silver $250 – sponsor names announced at beginning of event, post on social media platforms, highlight in newsletter

Gold $500 – sponsor names announced at beginning of event, post on social media platforms, highlight in newsletter, name displayed on website
Platinum $1,000 – sponsor names announced at beginning of event, month sponsorship, post on social media platforms, highlight in newsletter, name displayed on website
Ultra Platinum $2,000 – sponsor names announced at beginning of event, sponsorship for all months, post on social media platforms, highlight in newsletter, name displayed on website
Please contact Jessica Nowak for sponsorship opportunities!
jnowak@liferaftgroup.org
