The Life Raft Group

Virtual Caregiver Support Group
2021-01-20 13:00 (America/New_York)
Weekly Support Group for GIST Caregivers.
Held every Wednesday at 1pm ET beginning January 20, 2021
As we continue to navigate this uncertain time together, we want to offer you a little extra support. Every Wednesday at 1pm ET the LRG has a weekly support group for the caregivers facilitated by Marlene Nei, GIST Caregiver. To continue social distancing and connecting with caregivers across the United States, we will use an electronic platform, to come together every week as a group. We will talk about all the feelings you might be experiencing, both in relation to GIST, and COVID-19.
We will share our stories, if you are comfortable, and speak freely about the new fears and anxieties we might be feeling because of this unprecedented time. The group will be a safe space not only to feel supported by your fellow caregivers, but also a place to share our own coping mechanisms to get us through this stressful time. All information shared will be kept confidential. Contact Diana Nieves at dnieves@liferaftgroup.org for more information.
Please email Diana Nieves at dnieves@liferaftgroup.org to join this meeting.
About the Group Leader:
Marlene Nei, GIST Caregiver
As an active member of the Life Raft Group, Marlene advocates for the needs of the caregiver community because she feels they are an underrepresented group. It is her mission to advocate for the entire GIST community making sure they are equipped with the appropriate resources on their GIST journey.

Virtual GISTer Support Group
2020-11-11 17:00 (America/New_York)
As we continue to navigate this uncertain time together, we want to offer you a little extra support. Starting Wednesday, November 4th, at 5pm ET, the LRG will have its own weekly support group for people living with GIST facilitated by social worker Chelsea Madia. In an effort to continue social distancing, we will use an electronic platform, to come together for eight (8) consecutive weeks as a small group of 10 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.

REGISTER
About the Group Leaders:
Chelsea 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.

Virtual Caregiver Support Group
2020-11-04 13:00 (America/New_York)
This is an Eight-Week Support Group for GIST Caregivers.
Held every Thursday starting September 2 at 1pm ET.
Limited to 12 participants.
As we continue to navigate this uncertain time together, we want to offer you a little extra support. Starting Wednesday, November 4th at 1pm ET the LRG will have its own weekly support group for the caregivers facilitated by Marlene Nei, GIST Caregiver. In an effort to continue social distancing, we will use an electronic platform, to come together for 8 consecutive weeks as a small group of 10 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 stories, 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 caregivers, but also a place to share our own coping mechanisms to get us through this stressful time. All information shared will be kept confidential.
About the Group Leader:
Marlene Nei, GIST Caregiver
As an active member of the Life Raft Group, Marlene advocates for the needs of the caregiver community because she feels they are an underrepresented group. It is her mission to advocate for the entire GIST community making sure they are equipped with the appropriate resources on their GIST journey.
Register

Women in Sarcoma: Case Presentations
2020-10-26 12:00 (America/New_York)
Case Presentations
October 26, 12PM ET
Please join us for the second webcast of our Women in Sarcoma series. The Life Raft Group has developed the Women in Sarcoma program in recognition of the many women sarcoma specialists that engage with the sarcoma patient community and focus on educating and advocating on behalf of those living with sarcoma.
This panel features three women sarcoma experts presenting unique case studies that they have encountered in their practices. Panelists will interact with each other about these case studies, and participants will gain meaningful insight into how these experts diagnose and treat sarcoma patients, and how they collaborate with colleagues toward the goal of achieving positive outcomes for these challenging cases.

If you have questions about this panel or about registration, please contact Sara Rothschild, VP Program Services

Please join us for this interactive session with women leading the field of sarcoma!

REGISTEROur Panel of Experts

Vaia Florou, MD
Oncologist
University of Utah
Huntsman Cancer Center

Ciara Kelly, MBBCh BAO
Oncologist
Memorial Sloan Kettering
Cancer Center

Sandra R. Brackert, NP
Nurse Practitioner
Ronald Reagan UCLA
Medical Center

LRG Webcast: Genetics 101
2020-10-20 12:00 (America/New_York)
With the alphabet soup of terms and genes that cancer patients tend to hear during diagnosis, it takes some time to really understand what these terms mean.
In her Genetics 101 webcast, Dr. Raygada will unravel the DNA terms and seek to empower patients by helping them understand the genetic basis of their conditions so that they may decrease the risks associated with the mutations and tumors they carry.
REGISTERAbout the presenter
Margarita Raygada, PhD, Oncology Genetic Counselor
Dr. Raygada’s doctorate degree is in Medical Science from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences/Naval Hospital, Bethesda, Maryland. Her Master’s degree is in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling, Georgetown University Hospital (GUH) in Washington, D.C., with two post-doctoral fellowships: Molecular Biology at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, and Cancer Genetics at GUH. Research Focus: Cancer genetics is my passion. I am interested in delineating the genetic changes in rare tumors and identifying associated phenotypes that may lead to common pathways and therefore improved outcomes for cancer patients. But most importantly I hope to empower patients by helping them understand the genetic basis of their conditions, and by educating them on how they can use this information to manage their cancer so that they may decrease the risks associated with the mutations and tumors they carry.

GDOL Denver 2020 - Virtual
2020-10-10 15:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Join the LRG for Virtual GDOL Denver, October 10 at 1pm ET. GDOL Denver 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.
Register AgendaVirtual GDOL Denver Sponsors:

What’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

GDOL Tampa 2020 - Virtual
2020-10-10 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York)
Join the LRG for GDOL Tampa, Saturday, March 28, 2020 at 9am. GDOL Tampa 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.
Register 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

GIST DO IT Walk - Verona, NJ
2020-09-26 08:00 (America/New_York) | Verona Park, Bloomfield Ave & Lakeside Avenue, Verona, NJ, 07044, United States
Sign up today for the 2nd Annual Verona, NJ GIST DO IT Walk!
Join GISTers, family & friends, and the LRG Staff for this beautiful walk around Verona Park as we walk in memory of GISTer Ted Wolf and to raise funds for #GISTresearch! Register today. $35 registration fee includes a free GIST DO IT t-shirt. Meet at the park at 8am. You can purchase LRG face masks and additional t-shirts at our store.
See photos from last year’s NJ GIST DO IT Walk.
If you can’t be present for the walk, you can donate to #GISTresearch with the link below also.
RegisterInterested in Sponsorship Opportunities?
Contact Jess Nowak, jnowak@liferaftgroup.org
Event Sponsor – $25,000
Company logo displayed on event signage, on the LRG website, & in the LRG newsletter
Company logo displayed on Step & Repeat
Thank you from LRG Senior Vice President at event
Ability to place item/flyer (provided by sponsor) in Swag Bag
Table at event
5 registrations, 5 t-shirts, and 5 masks
Platinum Sponsor – $20,000
Company logo displayed on event signage, on the LRG website, & in the LRG newsletter
Thank you from LRG Senior Vice President at event
Ability to place item/flyer (provided by sponsor) in Swag Bag
Table at event
4 registrations, 4 t-shirts, and 4 masks
Gold Sponsor – $15,000
Company logo displayed on event signage, on the LRG website, & in the LRG newsletter
Thank you from LRG Senior Vice President at event
Ability to place item/flyer (provided by sponsor) in Swag Bag
Table at event
3 registrations, 3 t-shirts, and 3 masks
Silver Sponsor – $10,000
Company name displayed on event signage, on the LRG website, & in theLRG newsletter
Thank you from LRG Senior Vice President at event
Ability to place item/flyer (provided by sponsor) in Swag Bag
Table at event
2 registrations, 2 t-shirts, and 2 masks
Bronze Sponsor – $5,000
Company name displayed on event signage, on the LRG website, & in the LRG newsletter
Thank you from LRG Senior Vice President at event
1 registrations, 1 t-shirts, and 1 masks

Women in Sarcoma: Cancer Warriors
2020-09-24 14:00 (America/New_York)
An Interactive Multidisciplinary Panel of Experts
September 24th, 2020 at 2pm
The Life Raft Group has developed the Women in Sarcoma program in recognition of the many women sarcoma specialists that engage with our organization and our patient and caregiver community to educate and advocate on behalf of those living with sarcoma. Our goal is to highlight women in the sarcoma medical profession that make a difference in patients’ lives, and to inspire the community to hear stories and perspectives of women’s role in oncology.
The September webcast will feature an interactive panel of women sarcoma experts sharing their expertise as powerful advocates working on behalf of those living with sarcoma. Please join us for this interactive session with women leading the field of sarcoma!
If you have questions about this panel or about registration, please contact Sara Rothschild, VP Program Services

REGISTEROur Panel of Experts
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Conversations with the LRG: GIST Mentors, Part 2
2020-09-10 14:00 (America/New_York)
Join us on Thursday, September 10th at 1pm ET for our next “Conversations with the LRG”. In this presentation, GIST Mentors Carolyn Dewalt, Julie Durkee, and Kay Stolzer will discuss the role of the GIST Mentor and how one can assist you on your GIST journey.
You will learn why each of these patients/caregivers chose to volunteer as a GIST Mentor and more about them and their own journey with GIST.
There will be a 15-minute Q & A at the end of the presentation.
You may submit questions in advance to Diana Nieves, Senior Director, Outreach & Engagement: dnieves@liferaftgroup.org.
You will also be able to submit questions during the presentation that will be answered at the end.
REGISTER

Virtual SDH Support Group
2020-09-02 18:30 (America/New_York)
The Life Raft Group is hoping to start an online group for kids and teens living with GIST, but we can’t do it without you!
Would your child or teen be interested in talking to other adolescents about what it’s like to live with GIST?
The group will be a space to talk about everything from your relationship to your own body, to your relationship with your family and peers, and even your relationship with yourself. It will be a safe place to vent, and explore the many emotions that come up not only around living with your disease, but also around living through this unique and challenging time. You can even vent about your parents if you want.
If they are interested, your child will have the opportunity to connect with others through their brave battles with GIST, and feel seen! And if they are on the fence, remind them that they are not locked into this experience if it doesn’t feel right for them.
Register

Virtual GISTer Support Group
2020-09-02 17:00 (America/New_York)
As we continue to navigate this uncertain time together, we want to offer you a little extra support. Starting Wednesday, September 2nd, at 5pm ET, the LRG will have its own weekly support group for people living with GIST facilitated by social workers Chelsea Madia and Angela Edson. In an effort to continue social distancing, we will use an electronic platform, to come together for eight (8) consecutive weeks as a small group of 10 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.

REGISTER
About the Group Leaders:
Chelsea 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.

Angela Edson, LSW
Angela is a licensed social worker in New Jersey. She has been an employee at the Life Raft Group for close to five years. During her graduate studies, she interned at a local hospital’s outpatient cancer center providing support to patients and caregivers. Additionally, Angela has experience as a caregiver to loved ones with a cancer diagnosis. She understands the challenges that come along with this role and is excited to co-facilitate this support group.

Virtual Caregiver Support Group
2020-09-02 13:00 (America/New_York)
This is an Eight-Week Support Group for GIST Caregivers.
Held every Thursday starting September 2 at 1pm ET.
Limited to 12 participants.
Online Support Group Launching September 10, 2020!
As we continue to navigate this uncertain time together, we want to offer you a little extra support. Starting Wednesday, September 2nd at 1pm ET the LRG will have its own weekly support group for the caregivers facilitated by social worker Angela Edson. In an effort to continue social distancing, we will use an electronic platform, to come together for 8 consecutive weeks as a small group of 10 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 stories, 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 caregivers, but also a place to share our own coping mechanisms to get us through this stressful time. All information shared will be kept confidential.
REGISTERAbout the Group Leader:
Angela Edson, LSW
Angela is a licensed social worker in New Jersey. She has been an employee at the Life Raft Group for close to five years. During her graduate studies she interned at a local hospital’s outpatient cancer center providing support to patients and caregivers. Additionally, Angela has experience as a caregiver to loved ones with a cancer diagnosis. She understands the challenges that come along with this role and is excited to co-facilitate this support group.

Understanding the Link Between Pheo, Para, and GIST
2020-08-26 15:00 (America/New_York)
REGISTERThis hour-long webinar presented by The Pheo Para Alliance will provide an opportunity for the community to ask questions live or submit them beforehand.
This Live Webinar Series, made possible through an educational grant by Progenics, gives patients and their families an opportunity to tune in and interact with experts on a variety of pheo para topics.
The information discussed during this webinar is for informational purposes only, and does not take the place of medical advice from your doctor(s) who know your medical history and current situation.
About the Presenter:
Dr. Jason Sicklick
Associate Professor of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology @UC San Diego Health System
Jason Sicklick, MD, is a general surgeon and surgical oncologist who specializes in treating hepatobiliary diseases and sarcomas, including gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). He has a special interest in abdominal and retroperitoneal sarcomas, primary liver tumors and colorectal and neuroendocrine cancers that have metastasized to the liver. Read full bio here.

See other webcasts by Dr. Sicklick here:
Rare GIST Subtypes
Understanding the Concept of “Precision Oncology”
Updates on the Temozolomide Trial
New Insights into Gene Fusion

Moderated by:

Debra Melikian
Patient Advocate
Debra was thrust into the world of GISTS and pheo para when her husband and son were diagnosed. She is a mother on a mission. She and Dr. Sicklick have a unique relationship that powers both of their missions forward to help all patients.

You can read more about Debra:
Patient Advocate’s Story Unfolds in RARE Revolution Magazine

GIST LEARN Online
2020-08-15 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
GIST Sarcoma Life Raft Group Canada is pleased to invite you to register for our first online event. Our “GIST LEARN Online” webinar will use Zoom video and audio conferencing to provide education and support for people living with GIST.
GIST LEARN Online events are open to GIST patients, caregivers, family members, friends, healthcare providers, and anyone who wishes to learn more about GIST.
Life Raft Group Canada has been hosting in-person GIST patient / caregiver meetings in cities all across Canada for the past twelve years. In 2020, we hope that you will join us online.
Register
Keynote speaker:
David Josephy, PhD
Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology
President, GIST Sarcoma Life Raft Group Canada
The latest event details can be found at the event registration link above, but please don’t hesitate to contact Life Raft Group Canada by email or phone if there is anything that you would like to discuss.
Sponsors:

GISTBe: A Mindfulness Series - Virtual
2020-08-12 16:00, 2020-08-05 16:00, 2020-07-29 16:00, 2020-07-22 16:00, 2020-07-15 16:00, 2020-07-08 16:00, 2020-07-01 16:00, 2020-06-24 16:00 (America/New_York)
Join us for a relaxing Mindfulness series while connecting with others in LRG’s GIST community during this virtual event. Mindfulness means maintaining a present-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, or surrounding environment. It helps cancer patients better manage symptoms of fatigue, anxiety and fear of recurrence and their caregivers to practice self-compassion. The group will meet every week for 8 consecutive weeks starting Wednesday, June 24th at 4pm EDT. During this 8 week module series, we will cover the following:
Module 1 – Introduction to Mindfulness
Module 2- Breathwork Basics
Module 3- Breathwork for Pain Management and Side Effects
Module 4- Self Compassion and Compassion for Caregivers
Module 5- Breathwork for Insomnia/ Stress and Anxiety
Module 6- Mindful Eating
Module 7- Mindfulness as a Way of Life
Module 8- Tips and Q&A
REGISTERAbout the Group Leader
Carolina Ponce is a Mindfulness Coach, Learning Specialist at a private school, mother of one boy, and a GIST patient (diagnosed in 2006). Carolina started practicing Mindfulness when she was diagnosed with chronic anxiety after my diagnosis. As an educator, Carolina realized that she had to share this amazing practice with her students, friends and family. She decided to get certified as a coach and started training families , teachers, admin, etc. Today, Carolina teaches it to anyone who wants to learn more about “the art of being present”, staying calm through hard times, and preventing health issues. Through this journey, she has realized that everyone can learn to practice Mindfulness and it can easily become a way of life.

Virtual GIST DO IT Walk
2020-07-12
As part of our Virtual Life Fest celebration, we will be hosting a Virtual GIST Do It Walk on Sunday, July 12, 2020. The walk will be held in memory of Ted Wolf, who lost his battle with GIST in 2018.
A virtual walk is a real walk, but on your terms. You get choose your own course, what time you start, and who walks next to you!
registerSponsors

Virtual Life Fest 2020
2020-07-10 14:00 (America/New_York)
Virtual Life Fest 2020 – July 10th – July 13th
2020 brought a global health crisis that has challenged GIST patients. We had planned this year to be in New Orleans to share valuable information about GIST Research, to enjoy fellowship with each other, and yes, to enjoy the wonderful food and music.
Even though we can’t be together physically for our biennial Life Fest celebration and we won’t be together for GIST Awareness Day, we can unite and spread a message of hope and positive messages while raising GIST awareness across the globe. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, we still have a wonderful virtual weekend planned, with some of the same elements Life Fest always provides.
With the latest information being shared in both our traditional GIST 101 presentation with Dr. David Josephy, and through several panels featuring top GIST specialists and researchers, a program targeted to the SDH community as well as fun events including a cooking demonstration, Virtual Life Fest will prove that even with the restrictions on gathering, you cannot keep the GIST community from sharing their strength, hope and experiences.
RegisterOur theme for Virtual Life Fest, and for GIST Awareness Day this year is #GISTHope.
There are many ways for you to share this hopeful message:

Participate in our Virtual Life Fest Events.
Join us in our Virtual Walk. Start a fundraising page to invite family and friends to sponsor you in your efforts to raise funds for GIST Research.
Visit our LRG store to purchase items such as our #GISTHope Masks to wear on your walk.
Make a donation.
Go to our GIST Awareness Day (GAD) page to see how to raise awareness, including our creative #GISTHope rock painting project
Send your stories, photos and messages of hope to Mary Garland, Director of Communications: mgarland@liferaftgroup.org

All times are Eastern Daylight Time

Friday, July 10th

2:00pm GIST 101 Presented by David Josephy (pre-recorded video)

4pmGIST ART Launch

Saturday, July 11th

12:00pm GIST Research Panel: Join GIST experts as they provide updates and answer questions on GIST research and new GIST therapies.

Presenters: Roman Groisberg, MD, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey; Michael Heinrich, MD, OHSU Knight Cancer Institute; Jason Sicklick, MD, Moores Cancer Center, UC of San Diego

2:00pm GIST Oncologist Panel: Our oncology and surgical GIST experts will share the latest trends, insights and surgical options, and answer questions.

Presenters: Gina D’Amato, MD, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, U of M; Arun Singh, MD, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center; Jonathan Trent, MD, PhD, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, U of M; Breelyn Wilky, MD, UCHealth Cancer Center, Anschutz Medical Campus

4:00pm Cooking Demonstration (pre-recorded video) and GIST Cookbook Launch

Sunday, July 12th

12:00pm Virtual Walk Launch (pre-recorded videos)

Monday, July 13th

9:00am - 5:00pmGAD and #GISTHope Messages

12:00pm EDTQ&A with SDH Panel of Experts
Christopher B. Weldon, MD, PhD
Boston Children’s Hospital
Christopher Weldon, MD, PhD is Assistant in Surgery, Department of Surgery; Director, Pediatric Surgery Critical Care Fellowship and Assistant Professor of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School. He is Board Certified in Critical Care, General Surgery, and Pediatric Surgery.

Lee Helman, MD
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
Dr. Helman is a Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, USC, Head, Basic and Translational Research, Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases. His laboratory work focuses on the biology and treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing’s sarcoma, osteosarcoma, and pediatric GIST tumors. Major areas of research include the pathophysiologic consequences of IGF signaling, identification of the molecular/biochemical determinants of the biology of sarcomas, and the application of functional genomics to identify new treatment targets.

Jonathan Trent, MD
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
Dr. Trent’s interests are in the clinical and translational research of sarcomas, direct care of sarcoma patients, and education about sarcoma. The major efforts of Dr. Trent’s research focus on understanding the mechanisms of action and resistance of imatinib in GIST and other sarcomas while striving toward improved therapeutic options.

Andrew Rosenberg, MD
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
Andrew Eric Rosenberg, MD is the Vice Chair, Director of Bone and Soft Tissue Pathology at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in the University of Miami.

Jason Sicklick, MD
Moores Cancer Center
Dr. Jason Sicklick is an NIH-funded investigator and Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of California San Diego Moores Cancer Center. He is a board-certified general surgeon and surgical oncologist specializing in the treatment of hepatobiliary diseases and sarcomas, including gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST).

Ruth Casey, PhD
Cambridge University Hospitals, UK
Dr Dr Casey has a specialist clinical interest in hereditary endocrine neoplasia and endocrine cancer. Her research has focused mainly on the role of succinate dehydrogenase gene mutations in tumorigenesis and has a strong translational focus. Her interest in succinate dehydrogenase deficient tumours has led to her collaboration with PAWS GIST.

Eyal Gottlieb, MSc,PhD
Technicon – Israel Institute of Technology
Dr. Gottlieb is a Professor and Director of the Cancer Metabolomics Lab at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology. He is an internationally renowned expert in the field of metabolomics – measuring components of metabolism in cells under different conditions.

There will also be other special guest speakers.

Download SDH Panel Experts Flyer

Sponsors

GISTRead/GISTWatch - Virtual Event
2020-06-25 12:00 (America/New_York) | The Life Raft Group, 155 US Highway 46, Ste. 202, Wayne Plaza II, Wayne, NJ, 07470, United States
GISTWatch is a part of our virtual GISTEntertainment series
(Updated 6-10-20) Our GISTEntertainment series continues with GIST Read and GIST Watch. We have combined these event to encourage more people to have time to read our selection, The Hours by Michael Cunningham and to watch the film. Nicole Kidman won an Academy Award for her portrayal of Virginia Woolf. During our event, we will have an open discussion comparing the novel versus the film.
Some of you may wonder why we chose such a serious book in a time in which such difficult things are happening in our world. We did ask our members to vote on the title, and this was the book chosen.
The Hours is actually a perfect book for these times, for although it deals with some difficult issues (Mental Illness, serious illness, restrictions on roles for women), above all, it is a book about the elevation of ordinary things and the value of love in the midst of the difficult. In the midst of a pandemic and a world crying out for justice and equality, it is those ordinary precious hours that define us.
During this critical time we are asking you to partner with us. Our suggested donation for this event is $10.
REGISTER for GIST Read/GIST Watch

Virtual GISTer Support Group
2020-06-17 17:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York)
Online Support Group Launching June 17th
Space is limited to 12 participants
As we continue to navigate this uncertain time together, we want to offer you a little extra support. Starting Wednesday, June 17th at 5pm EDT the LRG will have its own weekly support group for people living with GIST facilitated by Chelsea (Ozeri) Madia, LCSW and Angela Edson, LSW. In an effort to continue social distancing, we will use an electronic platform, to come together for eight consecutive weeks as a small group.
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.
REGISTERAbout the Group Leaders:
Chelsea 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.
Angela Edson, LSW
Angela is a licensed social worker in New Jersey. She has been an employee at the Life Raft Group for close to five years. During her graduate studies she interned at a local hospital’s outpatient cancer center providing support to patients and caregivers. Additionally, Angela has personal experience as a caregiver to loved ones with a cancer diagnosis. She understands the challenges that come along with this role and is excited to co-facilitate this support group.
Space is limited to 12 participants.

LRG Webcast Series: GIST: How to Understand your Pathology Report
2020-06-16 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
In this webinar, we will be discussing how to interpret your pathology report. We will cover interpretation of all parts of a pathology report, beginning with understanding the final diagnosis and diagnostic comment. We will then review the results and significance of performed ancillary testing, including immunohistochemistry, prognostic biomarker testing, and molecular testing. We will end by discussing how the aforementioned pathology report data affects clinical surgical and therapeutic decision-making.
REGISTERAbout the Presenters:
Kelsey McHugh, M.D.
Gastrointestinal, Hepatic, and Pancreatobiliary Pathology Fellow
Robert J. Tomsich Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Institute
Cleveland Clinic
Kelsey McHugh, MD is a board certified anatomic and clinical pathologist, with cytopathology subspecialty certification, who is currently completing gastrointestinal, hepatic, and pancreatobiliary pathology subspecialty training. She anticipates graduating from the Cleveland Clinic Gastrointestinal, Hepatic, and Pancreatobiliary Pathology Fellowship in June 2020, after which she will remain at the Cleveland Clinic as a staff pathologist beginning July 2020.

¿Eres paciente con GIST de habla hispana? (Reunión Virtual)
2020-06-11 19:00 (America/Mexico_City)
Por favor únase a nosotros para esta Reunión Virtual.
Alojado por Fundacíon GIST México
Aprendiendo más sobre GIST y las nuevas terapias aprobadas. Jueves 11 de junio a las 1900 hrs tiempo Ciudad de México. (8pm New York)
Presentado por Dr. David Heredia, Oncólogo médico Instituto Nacional de Cancerología.
Únete a la reunión:
Unirse a reunión de Microsoft Teams
Más información sobre Teams | Opciones de reunión

Webinar - Advances in the Treatment of GIST
2020-05-29 13:30 - 14:30 (America/New_York)
This is a free CancerCare Connect® Education Workshop for people living with GIST, their families, partners, caregivers, friends and health care professionals. Listen to this workshop over the telephone or connect to our webcast online.
Workshop Topics
• Overview of the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST), in the Context of COVID-19
• Diagnosis and Staging
• Treatment Options
• Clinical Trials and Novel Approaches to Treating GIST
• Strategies to Manage Common Treatment Side Effects, Discomfort and Pain
• The Importance of Communicating with Your Health Care Team
• What’s New on the Horizon for GIST Cancers
• Questions for Our Panel of Experts
REGISTERwebinar flyerSpeakers
Suzanne George, MD
Clinical Director
Center for Sarcoma and Bone Oncology
Senior Physician
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Associate Professor of Medicine Harvard Medical School
Michael C. Heinrich, MD
Professor of Medicine
Cell and Developmental Biology Hematology and Medical Oncology Program in Molecular and Cellular Biosciences
School of Medicine
Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU)
Carolyn Messner, DSW, OSW-C, FAPOS, FAOSW
Director of Education and Training CancerCare®
