Virtual Texas Support Group
2025-04-28 18:00, 2025-05-26 18:00, 2025-06-23 18:00, 2025-07-28 18:00 (America/Chicago)
Texas Support Group Zoom meeting on the 4th Monday of the month @ 6PM Central Time. Jackie Vanderpol will host this zoom meeting. Contact Rachel LoCurto at rlocurto@liferaftgroup.org with any questions or to get the Zoom link.

The Benefits of Palliative Care
2025-05-06 14:00 (America/New_York)
The Life Raft Group is partnering with Dr. Grant Smith of Stanford Health Care to present “Live Your Best Life – The Benefits of Palliative Care” on May 6th at 2PM ET. During this virtual presentation, Dr. Smith will share ways to live your best life using a holistic, person-centered approach. During this workshop, Dr. Smith will talk about physical symptoms as well as emotional and spiritual well-being. You’ll also learn about the medical specialty, called palliative care, and how it can give you an extra level of support and improve your quality of life. A question and answer session will follow the presentation.
These webinars are for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any treatment or lifestyle changes. If you have questions or comments, please reach out to srothschild@liferaftgroup.org.
REGISTERAbout Our Presenter

Dr. Grant Smith
Care Physician & Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine
Grant Smith, MD is a palliative care physician and Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at the Stanford School of Medicine. He is the medical director of the Stanford Palliative Care Community Partnerships Team. He received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School and completed his residency in internal medicine and fellowship in hospice and palliative medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. As part of the Stanford faculty, he is an attending physician on the palliative care inpatient service and in the outpatient palliative care clinic in Palo Alto.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Los beneficios de los cuidados paliativos
2025-05-06 15:00 (America/New_York)
The Life Raft Group, junto con Olivia Tigre-Nerimora de Stanford Health Care, presentará el webinar: “Vive tu vida al máximo: Los beneficios de los cuidados paliativos”, que se llevará a cabo el 6 de mayo a las 3 p. m. (hora del este). En esta sesión virtual, la Sra. Tigre-Nerimora compartirá estrategias para vivir plenamente con un enfoque holístico y personalizado, centrado en el bienestar integral. Además, abordará aspectos clave como el manejo de síntomas físicos, el bienestar emocional y el cuidado espiritual. También aprenderá sobre los cuidados paliativos y cómo esta especialidad médica puede brindarle apoyo para mejorar su calidad de vida. Al finalizar la presentación, habrá una sesión de preguntas y respuestas.
Estos webinars son solo con fines informativos y no deben reemplazar el consejo médico profesional. Siempre consulte a su proveedor de atención médica antes de realizar cualquier cambio en su tratamiento o estilo de vida. Si tiene preguntas o comentarios, por favor comuníquese con srothschild@liferaftgroup.org.
REGISTRATEAcerca de Nuestra Presentadora

Olivia Tigre-Nerimora, MHA
Gerente de Proyectos, Centro de Excelencia en Cuidados Paliativos
Olivia Tigre Nerimora se desempeña actualmente como Gerente de Proyectos para el Centro de Excelencia en Cuidados Paliativos, Olivia supervisa proyectos destinados a promover la educación y la concientización sobre los cuidados paliativos especializados. Sus esfuerzos enfatizan el aumento de la participación comunitaria, particularmente entre las poblacionbes mas vulnerasbles, para garantizar el acceso equitativo y la comprensión de los servicios de cuidados paliativos.
Gracias a Nuestros Patrocinadores!

Virtual GIST Caregiver Support Group
2025-05-07 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-06-04 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-07-02 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-08-06 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Monthly Virtual Support Group for GIST Caregivers
Held on the first Wednesday of the month
LRG hosts a monthly virtual support group for the caregivers. We will share our stories, if you are comfortable, and speak freely about the new fears and anxieties we might be feeling during this journey as a caregiver. 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, concerns, successes and trials. All information shared will be kept confidential.
Contact Rachel LoCurto at rlocurto@liferaftgroup.org for more information and 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 Florida Support Group
2025-05-12 18:00, 2025-06-09 18:00, 2025-07-14 18:00, 2025-08-11 18:00 (America/New_York)
Florida Support Group
Zoom, 2nd Monday of the Month – 6pm ET
Our moderator is a fellow GISTER/LRG Member from Florida diagnosed with GIST in late 2016.
If you wish to attend, please email Rachel LoCurto: rlocurto@liferaftgroup.org for the Zoom link for the meeting.

Holistic Approaches to Healing
2025-05-13 12:00 (America/New_York)
The Life Raft Group is partnering with Certified Wellness Coach & Patient Advocate Carolina Williams to present, “Holistic Approaches to Healing in Harmony”, on May 13th at 12PM ET. This virtual session will blend mindfulness practices with vibrational living to support cancer patients and their caregivers in navigating the emotional and energetic challenges of healing. Through guided meditations, breathwork, and energy-awareness techniques, participants will learn how to cultivate inner peace, resilience, and a healing mindset. Discover how vibrational frequencies influence well-being, how to shift energy for emotional balance, and how to create a supportive environment that fosters deep healing for both patients and caregivers.
These webinars are for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any treatment or lifestyle changes. If you have questions or comments, please reach out to srothschild@liferaftgroup.org.
REGISTERAbout Our Presenter

Carolina Williams
Certified Wellness Coach & Patient Advocate
After facing Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST), Carolina experienced an instantaneous remission—a profound moment that reinforced the power of mindfulness, energy healing, and vibrational living. While her healing journey included deep spiritual work, meditation, and energy alignment, she also acknowledges the role of Gleevec, the targeted therapy that supported her recovery. This integrative approach—combining science and vibrational medicine—became the foundation of her work.
Now a certified Wellness Coach, Reiki Master, and Bio-Well Energy Field Practitioner, Carolina is passionate about guiding cancer patients and caregivers toward inner peace, resilience, and healing. She teaches practical tools that support both emotional and physical well-being, helping others navigate their journeys with greater strength, hope, and balance.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!

John Poss Memorial Fund Event - Gathering in the Park
2025-05-17 14:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Pavilion #5, 164 Landa Park Dr., New Braunfels, TX, 164 Landa Park Dr., New Braunfels, TX, 78130, United States
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Benefit for the John Poss Memorial Fund of The Life Raft Group

The John Poss Memorial Fund honors the incredible legacy of John Poss, whose determination and advocacy helped revolutionize treatment for GIST patients. After being diagnosed with stage 4 GIST in 2000, John fought for access to a groundbreaking clinical trial, ultimately gaining 24 more years with his family and dedicating his life to patient support through The Life Raft Group. His impact continues to inspire and drive progress in GIST research and advocacy.
Join us in celebrating John’s legacy at Picnic in the Park, a special fundraiser supporting the John Poss Memorial Fund. Your participation and generosity will help fund research, fuel clinical trials, and provide vital resources to GIST patients and caregivers. Let’s come together to honor John’s spirit and make a lasting difference—reserve your spot today!
This event is the second stop on Jerry Call’s GIST On the Road tour. Jerry, LRG’s Data Analyst for more than 20 years, is motorcycling across the country on a tour created to connect with patients & caregivers, medical professionals and donors to raise awareness of GIST and raise funds for GIST research and support services. You can read more about Jerry’s story here.
Questions about the event? Contact bmorello@liferaftgroup.org

Virtual GIST Patient Support Group
2025-05-20 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-06-17 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-07-15 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York)
The Patient Support Group meets via Zoom on the first and third Tuesday of each month from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM ET (NYC Time).
We will start each group with a “Round Robin” in which anyone who feels like updating the group on how they are doing/feeling can do so. There is no pressure to speak if you prefer to simply listen. Once we complete our updates, the group will have the opportunity for organic conversation to develop in relation to our emotional experiences around GIST, and other challenges that we may be experiencing as a community.
In order to be able to moderate a flowing discussion, the group will be capped at 15 people each month. The first 15 people into the Zoom waiting room will participate. Keep in mind that since the group is now open, you don’t necessarily have to attend each month to participate.
Contact Brian Morello to join: bmorello@liferaftgroup.org

GIST & Clinical Trials - LRG Canada
2025-05-24 13:00 (America/New_York)
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National Cancer Survivors Day Celebration
2025-06-01 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Napa Yard – Oxbow Gardens, 585 1st Street, Napa, CA, 94559, United States
REGISTERCome join The Life Raft Group at Napa Yard – Oxbow Gardens (in the Pavilion) to socialize on National Cancer Survivors Day. Enjoy good company, delicious food, share stories and raise funds for GIST cancer research. Join the celebration and make an impact in patients’ lives at the beautiful Napa Yard with The Life Raft Group’s Christa Pereira, Jerry Call, & Brian Morello.
Free event includes appetizer reception & cocktails/soft drinks, and activities. Donations are appreciated.
Wine sponsored by Blue Oak Vineyard.

Raise a glass, restore hope—your ticket helps save lives & helps fill the gap left by NIH cuts to GIST cancer research.

This event is part of the GIST On The Road tour with Jerry Call. Learn more about GIST On The Road.

Updates from ASCO 2025
2025-06-19 19:00 (America/New_York)
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 partner with Herbert Loong, who will summarize abstracts and presentations that were presented during this conference that are relevant to the GIST patient community. Join us June 19th at 7pm for this virtual presentation. A Q&A session will follow the presentation.
These webinars are for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any treatment or lifestyle changes. If you have questions or comments, please reach out to srothschild@liferaftgroup.org.
REGISTERAbout Our Presenter

Dr. Herbert Loong
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Dr. 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.
Dr. 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.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Water of Life June Event 2025
2025-06-26 17:00 (America/New_York) | Home Studios, Studio 1, 873 Broadway #301, NYC, NY, 10003, United States
Join Us for an Unforgettable Whisky Experience!
This exclusive evening brings together some of the finest spirits, rare pours, and passionate whisky experts — all in support of a vital cause: helping patients with GIST, a rare form of cancer.
Whether you’re drawn to smoky notes, sherry cask finishes, or hidden gems from global markets, you’ll find something to savor. Meet and mingle with distillers, ambassadors, collectors, bloggers, and more — all while enjoying a memorable, expertly curated tasting experience.
Water of Life has been recognized by Forbes as one of the top whisky events in the world — and one of only two in the United States to make the list.
Hosted at Home Studios in NYC by Dr. Matthew J. Lurin to benefit The Life Raft Group.
REGISTER

LRG Open House
2025-06-27 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | The Life Raft Group, 155 US Highway 46, Ste. 202, Wayne Plaza II, Wayne, NJ, 07470, United States
Jerry Call stops at The Life Raft Group’s offices in Wayne, NJ on his way back home to Virgina. Come meet Jerry, the LRG Staff, Norman Scherzer as well as patients, caregivers and medical professionals. We are serving up lunch and beverages (all free) – indoors Building 2.
REGISTER

Navigating Financial Support & Medicare Changes
2025-06-30 12:00 (America/New_York)
The Life Raft Group is partnering with Jennifer Noonan of Accessia Health to present “Navigating Financial Support & Medicare Changes: What Patients Need to Know in 2025” to our patient and caregiver community on June 30th at 12PM ET. During this virtual presentation, Ms. Noonan will cover key updates including the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (M3P), cost-sharing “smoothing,” and how charitable financial assistance programs can support individuals navigating high out-of-pocket costs. Learn what these changes mean for patients and caregivers — and how to prepare for what’s ahead. A Q&A segment will follow Ms. Noonan’s presentation.
These webinars are for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any treatment or lifestyle changes. If you have questions or comments, please reach out to rpauley@liferaftgroup.org.
REGISTERAbout Our Presenter

Jennifer Noonan
Accessia Heath
Jennifer Noonan, Vice President of Clinical Strategy & Patient Engagement at Accessia Health, is a dedicated healthcare professional with 25+ years of clinical nursing experience. Her vast clinical management background spans diverse healthcare settings, showcasing her expertise in program design and service delivery under rigorous regulations. Her career began in emergency medicine in Louisville, KY, where she spent 17 years in leadership roles and contributing to EMR clinical development and implementation. Transitioning into hospice and palliative care in 2014, Jennifer excelled in leadership positions for both adult and pediatric patients. A resolute academic, Jennifer holds degrees from Kentucky State University and Western Governors University. She was appointed to the National Association of Specialty Pharmacy’s Board of Directors in September 2023. Beyond work, she is a family-oriented martial arts enthusiast, hiker, and avid traveler.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!

GIST Awareness Day Fireside Chat
2025-07-11 14:00 (America/New_York)
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 11th at 2PM ET. During this virtual event, esteemed GIST experts Dr. Sicklick of UCSD and Dr. Blakely and Dr. John Glod of the NIH will answer patient and caregiver questions in an informal chat.
These webinars are for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any treatment or lifestyle changes. If you have questions or comments, please reach out to srothschild@liferaftgroup.org.
REGISTERAbout Our Presenters

Dr. Jason Sicklick
UCSD, Moores Cancer Center
Jason Sicklick, MD, is an internationally recognized surgical oncologist who specializes in treating gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), abdominal/retroperitoneal sarcomas, and liver tumors.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. He 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.

Dr. Andrew Blakely
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Dr. 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. 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.

Dr. John Glod
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Dr. Glod obtained his M.D. and Ph.D. from the University of Colorado in Denver and trained in pediatrics and pediatric oncology at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Johns Hopkins Hospital, and the Pediatric Oncology Branch of the NCI. Dr. Glod currently serves as the Clinical Director of the Pediatric Oncology Branch in the Center for Cancer Research at National Cancer Institute. Dr. Glod’s research interests are focused on early stage clinical trials for pediatric patients and rare pediatric solid tumors including multiple endocrine neoplasia-related medullary thyroid cancer, SDH-deficient gastrointestinal stromal tumor, and tumors of the central nervous system.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Día del aprendizaje sobre GIST en español
2025-07-14 12:00 (America/New_York)
RESERVE LA FECHA – 14 de Julio

Pronto compartiremos la agenda.
¡Reserve la fecha para el primer GIST Day of Learning en español!
El día del aprendizaje sobre Los Tumores del Estroma Gastrointestinal (GIST) es un evento gratuito diseñado para pacientes y cuidadores, donde pueden informarse sobre este cáncer poco común, encontrar apoyo y fortalecer su conocimiento para afrontar su camino contra el GIST.
REGISTRATELink Agenda PDF

¿Qué es un GDOL?
Un GDOL es un GIST Day of Learning (Día de Aprendizaje sobre GIST). Este es un evento gratuito de un día diseñado para ayudar a pacientes y cuidadores a aprender más sobre este cáncer raro, encontrar apoyo y ampliar sus conocimientos para navegar su camino en el tratamiento del cáncer.
The Life Raft Group está comprometido con mejorar la supervivencia y calidad de vida de las personas que viven con Tumor del Estroma Gastrointestinal (GIST) y otras enfermedades raras, a través de la investigación impulsada por los pacientes, la educación, el empoderamiento y esfuerzos de defensa a nivel global. Nuestra visión es impulsar un futuro basado en datos, guiando nuestro camino hacia la cura de enfermedades raras.
Si tiene alguna pregunta, comuníquese con Brian Morello en bmorello@liferaftgroup.org.
Gracias a Nuestros Patrocinadores!

SDH Support Group
2025-07-15 15:00, 2025-08-19 15:00 (America/New_York)
We are excited to announce the launch of a dedicated Support Group for SDH-GIST patients, created to offer a welcoming space for connection, understanding, and shared experience. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been managing SDH for years, this group is here to support you. Together, we will share our stories and knowledge, discuss challenges, celebrate progress, and offer encouragement to one another in a safe, respectful environment.
What to Expect:

Regular virtual meetings
Peer support and open discussion
Guest speakers and educational sessions
Opportunities to ask questions and share your story

This group will meet the 3rd Tuesdays of the month. Space is limited as we aim to keep the support groups small to allow for sharing & discussion. If interested in the group, please contact Becky Owens at bowens@liferaftgroup.org. A registration link will be sent to those who express interest. You are not alone, and we hope this group becomes a meaningful part of your life.

Making Cents of Caregiving
2025-08-12 12:00 (America/New_York)
The Life Raft Group is partnering with Al Berg of the AARP NJ Speakers Bureau to present “Making Cents of Caregiving” on August 12, at 12PM ET. In this informative and educational session, you will be introduced to essential information caregivers need to more easily manage the financial complexities of caregiving. Over the course of the presentation, you will learn how to incorporate financial tips and resources into your caregiving. By the end of the session, we hope you have the confidence to make your own financial plans for your loved one’s care and well-being. A question and answer session will follow the presentation.
These webinars are for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any treatment or lifestyle changes. If you have questions or comments, please reach out to rpauley@liferaftgroup.org.
REGISTERAbout Our Presenters

Al Berg
AARP NJ Speakers Bureau
Al Berg is a volunteer with the AARP NJ Speakers Bureau, giving presentations on a variety of topics of interest to older Americans. During the day, Al heads up cybersecurity for a major entertainment company. When he is not fighting off hackers, he is an EMT with the Weehawken Volunteer First Aid Squad and lives in Weehawken with his wife and a very spoiled cat.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
