GIST Summit 2026 / GDOL Texas
2026-03-21 08:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | MD Anderson Cancer Prevention Center, 1155 Pressler Street 8th Floor, Houston, TX, 77030, United States
REGISTERMD Anderson Cancer Center, GIST Support International and The Life Raft Group are hosting a GIST Summit / GDOL Texas 2026 for GIST patients and caregivers in Houston, Texas in March 21 to showcase recent developments in GIST treatments and therapies.

This free event is being sponsored through educational and other grants and gifts from pharmaceutical companies and individual donors. The program will include numerous presentations on the current state of GIST as well as future treatments and one-on-one conversations with the experts. All meals, refreshments, and parking will be provided.
Please join our community of GIST patients and caregivers for these relevant and informative talks, meet with old friends and new, and catch up on the latest science. Previous GIST Summits and GIST Days of Learning have been great successes, and this year’s program is exciting as ever. Where else can you discuss GIST issues with the experts and ask questions you always wanted to ask? You will also have time to meet with other GIST patients and caregivers and to share experiences.
Have questions? Contact Brian Morello: bmorello@liferaftgroup.org
Click to view Agenda PDF

Thank You To Our Sponsors:

Virtual Texas Support Group
2026-03-23 18:00, 2026-04-27 18:00, 2026-05-25 18:00, 2026-06-22 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 Brian Morello at bmorello@liferaftgroup.org with any questions or to get the Zoom link.

Virtual GIST Caregiver Support Group
2026-04-01 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-05-06 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-03 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-07-01 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 Brian Morello at bmorello@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 GIST Patient Support Group
2026-04-07 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-04-21 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-05-05 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-05-19 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-06-02 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-06-16 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-07-07 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

Long-Term Survivor Webinar
2026-04-13 12:00 (America/New_York)
REGISTERHosted by the The Life Raft Group, “What We Wish We’d Known: Advice from Long-Term GIST Survivors” will take place on April 13 at 12 PM ET and features long-term survivors and mentors Kay Stolzer, Dr. John Abrams, Martha Smart, and Piga Fernández. They’ll share what to do after a GIST diagnosis, common mistakes to avoid, and what it’s really like to live with cancer long-term. Join us for practical advice, honest insights, and support from people who have been there.
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.
About Our Presenters:

Dr. John Abrams
John Abrams has been involved with The Life Raft Group for over eight years and is the state leader for Colorado. He serves as a LRG Board Member and GIST mentor. He practiced dentistry for 35 years with an area of expertise in adult restorative dentistry highlighting esthetic restorations. He was honored by his peers as a Colorado 5280 Top Dentist. John retired from dentistry due to the side effects of Gleevec. In his “retirement” he is an equity partner in real estate investment and serves as a consultant for dental offices focusing on management and clinical skills.
John grew up in St. Louis and has lived in Colorado since 1975. He graduated from Miami University (Oxford Ohio) and the University of Missouri School of Dentistry.
As a long time GISTer and survivor of two other primary cancers, John hopes his story can be at least some inspiration to others on their own journey.

Piga Fernández
As a GIST patient who was diagnosed incorrectly in 1995 with leiomyosarcoma, Piga Fernández understands the importance of correct diagnosis and access to treatment. Piga serves as a GIST Mentor and Global Relations Consultant for The Life Raft Group.
In 2001, she founded and is the Executive Director of Fundación GIST Chile, a nonprofit organization dedicated to support GIST and other gastrointestinal patients through education, information, emotional support and advocacy, with the goal of having them experience a better quality of life.
Additionally, she is the Coordinator of Alianza GIST, a consortium of GIST groups in Latin America. Her advocacy efforts in Chile have led to important changes in her country, impacting both legislative change and raising awareness for rare diseases.

Martha Smart
Martha Smart is a 19-year survivor of high-risk small bowel GIST (12 cm, Exon 11) and has been on Gleevec since her diagnosis in 2007. A former speech pathologist based in Midland, Texas, she is a proud mom, grandmother (“NeeNee”), dog mom, and devoted wife of over 53 years.
Her diagnosis came as a complete shock following emergency surgery, prompting her to take an active role in her care and seek treatment at MD Anderson. Since then, she has taken more than 27,000 Gleevec tablets and become deeply connected to the GIST community through The Life Raft Group and other networks.
With humor, resilience, and compassion, she is passionate about sharing her experience to support and guide others living with GIST.

Kay Stolzer
Kay Stolzer joined the LRG Board in March 2021 and was elected to the role of Secretary/Treasurer in March 2022.
She has been a very active volunteer in our LRG community. Kay is one of the original 8 GIST Mentors, a program that has grown to 32 global mentors, and has mentored over 220 patients and caregivers, since its inception in 2019.
In Kay’s earlier life, she was an administrator for a large physicians’ group. When her children were born, she transitioned to full time homemaker, and was a very active volunteer in her community, in various roles and organizations. Kay enjoys spending time with her husband, Ira, and visiting their children and grandchildren in New Jersey and Tennessee.
Thank You to Our Sponsors:

Virtual Florida Support Group
2026-04-13 18:00, 2026-05-11 18:00, 2026-06-08 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 Brian Morello at bmorello@liferaftgroup.org for the Zoom link for the meeting.

SDH Support Group
2026-04-21 15:00, 2026-05-19 15:00, 2026-06-16 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.

Virtual North Carolina Patient Support Group
2026-04-28 14:00, 2026-06-30 14:00 (America/New_York)
North Carolina Patient Support Group
Zoom, Last Tuesday of the Month – 2pm ET
February, April, June, August, October, December

If you wish to attend, please email Brian Morello: bmorello@liferaftgroup.org for the Zoom link for the meeting.

Understanding GIST/Role of Clinical Trials
2026-05-30 13:00 (America/New_York)
REGISTERGIST Sarcoma Life Raft Group Canada is holding an Online Only event on
Saturday May 30th, 2026 at 1:00pm.
We will be sharing our perspective on Understanding GIST and The Role of Clinical Trials.

We will be presenting an updated GIST 101 with David Josephy. We will also be reviewing how to navigate the Clinical Trials website and when to consider a trial with Gabriel Melkonian. We will also hear from our member – Robert Kirschman who has participated in clinical trials during his journey to share his experience.

National Cancer Survivors Day
2026-06-01
June 1st is National Cancer Survivors Day.

Water of Life 2026
2026-06-24 | Home Studios, Studio 1, 873 Broadway #301, NYC, NY, 10003, United States
June 24th & 25th
REGISTERWe’re honored to invite you to an unforgettable evening where exceptional whisky meets meaningful impact!
The Water of Life Charity Event returns this June, bringing together a curated whisky-tasting experience in support of The Life Raft Group and its mission to improve outcomes for people living with GIST, a rare gastrointestinal cancer.
At the heart of the event is our signature whisky speed-tasting, designed to give you access to a wide range of distinctive pours while deepening your appreciation for the craft and stories behind each one.
Guests may choose to attend both evenings or join us for the main event.
Please note: this year’s experience has been thoughtfully expanded to allow more time to enjoy each tasting.
Matthew J Lurin, MD, MBA, FACEP, CPE Founder, Water of Life Charity Event
EVENT DETAILS

June 24th: Ultra-VIP Event
6:00 PM – Begin at Home Studios with several rare and exclusive whisky pours. Move on next to our Cigar Event, where you'll continue enjoying special pours alongside our new event cigar.
June 25th: Main Event
5:00 PM – The event begins with two special masterclasses.
6:45 PM – The first whisky speed tasting starts.
There will be two 30-minute breaks:
Dinner break – Dessert and raffle announcement

TICKET INFORMATION

ULTRA VIP Ticket Includes:
Attendance at the Ultra VIP Event at Home Studios for food and drinks on Wednesday, June 24, followed by cigars at The Carnegie Club, PLUS attendance at the Water of Life Charity Event at Home Studios, which includes the two Whisky Masterclasses, speed tasting, food, and a custom WOL Glencairn on Thursday, June 25.
VIP Ticket Includes:
Attendance at the Water of Life Charity Event at Home Studios, which includes the two Whisky Masterclasses, speed tasting, food, and a custom WOL Glencairn on Thursday, June 25.
STANDARD Ticket Includes:
Attendance at the Water of Life Charity Event atHome Studios, which includes the whisky speed tasting, food, and a custom WOL Glencairn on Thursday, June 25.

You must purchase tickets before the event. Only 70 tickets will be sold for this exclusive event.
Act quickly before tickets sell out! Questions or Seating Requests? Please contact us at: wateroflifenyc@gmail.com
All attendees must be over the age of 21. The Life Raft Group is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Most gifts are 100 percent deductible as a charitable contribution under Federal and State income tax laws. Please consult your individual tax advisor to determine how much of your contribution is deductible.

Life Fest 2026 - Nashville
2026-07-10 15:00 - 2026-07-12 12:00 (America/New_York) | Loews Vanderbilt Hotel, 2100 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States
Life Fest 2026 will be in Nashville, Tennessee – Friday, July 10th through, Sunday July 12th, 2026 at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel, 2100 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN. Hotel, airline & parking information are on the registration page.
Life Fest is a unique event where patients and caregivers come together for a weekend to interact with each other and the medical and scientific communities that serve them. Faced with a rare form of cancer, GIST patients have a great need for information about this disease, particularly as the science evolves and our understanding reveals a complex set of subtypes of GIST, each responding differently to available treatments.
Life Fest workshops provide patients with emerging medical information, and they come away with a deeper knowledge of the disease, treatments and side effect management. They find hope in knowing the scientific community is working toward a cure, and hope is such a vital asset for survival.
Coming together with fellow patients from all walks of life from around the world is a meaningful and powerful experience. In addition to our traditional educational workshops, Life Fest 2026 will feature scientific presentations highlighting the newest research and the latest treatments.
Scholarships are available! Please submit your request through this form.
If you would like to donate to the scholarship fund, visit this link.

REGISTERDownload PDF of Agenda (subject to change.)

We have secured a block of hotel rooms for guests attending Life Fest 2026. This special group rate is only available until June 19th, 2026.
Loews Nashville Hotel at Vanderbilt Plaza
2100 West End Ave,
Nashville, TN 37203
1-877-879-7818
Reserve: www.loewshotels.com/vanderbilt-hotel/group-life-fest-event-2026
Parking for the conference location (Loews Nashville Hotel at Vanderbilt Plaza):
Self-parking for guests at Loews Nashville Hotel at Vanderbilt Plaza is $49 + tax per day, per vehicle.
Alternate parking:
Legacy Parking Company, LLC – Hayes Street Garage (4 minute walk to Loews Hotel)
2011 Hayes St, Nashville, TN 37203
1-209-489-7232
For parking details: bit.ly/LF-BookParking
Questions about Life Fest 2026?
Please reach out to Brian Morello, Director of Development at bmorello@liferaftgroup.org
Thank You To Our Sponsors:

GIST Awareness Day
2026-07-13
GIST Awareness Day is July 13th.
