The Life Raft Group

Exploring The SARC044 Trial
2025-01-08 14:30 (America/New_York)
The Life Raft Group invites you to “Exploring The SARC044 Trial: Key Details & What The GIST Community Can Gain From The Study” on January 8th, 2024 at 2:30PM ET. Dr. Candace Haddox, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, will present an overview of the Phase II SARC044 Clinical Trial. This currently recruiting study tests the investigational use of bezuclastinib in combination with sunitinib in patients with GIST. Webinar participants will learn about the SARC044 study, including eligibility, site locations, and study rationale. A Q&A session will follow the presentation.
REGISTERAbout Our Presenter

Dr. Candace Haddox
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Dr. Candace Haddox is an Instructor in Medicine at Harvard Medical School, and a medical oncologist and clinical/translational investigator in the Sarcoma Center and the Center for Cancer Therapeutic Innovation at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Dr. Haddox’s research focuses on developing novel therapies rooted in sarcoma biology and determining mechanisms of treatment response and resistance, particularly in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST).
Dr. Haddox received her Bachelor of Science in neurobiology from the University of Miami. She completed a post-baccalaureate research fellowship at the National Institutes of Health and received her Medical Degree from the University of South Florida. Dr. Haddox completed a residency in Internal Medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and a fellowship in Medical Oncology at Duke University, where she also served as Chief Fellow. She joined the faculty at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in 2021, where she currently sees patients with sarcomas and leads clinical trials in early drug development.

Virtual Florida Support Group
2025-01-13 18:00, 2025-02-10 18:00, 2025-03-10 18:00, 2025-04-14 18:00, 2025-05-12 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 supportgroups@liferaftgroup.org for the Zoom link for the meeting.

Virtual GIST Patient Support Group
2025-01-21 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-02-18 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-03-18 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-04-15 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-05-20 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.
If you wish to attend, please email supportgroups@liferaftgroup.org

Virtual Texas Support Group
2025-01-27 18:00, 2025-02-24 18:00, 2025-03-24 18:00, 2025-04-28 18:00, 2025-05-26 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.
If you wish to attend, please email supportgroups@liferaftgroup.org for the Zoom link for the meeting.

Virtual GIST Caregiver Support Group
2025-02-05 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-03-05 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-04-02 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-05-07 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.
If you wish to attend, please email supportgroups@liferaftgroup.org for the Zoom link for the 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.

Enfermedades raras - "El fin de la odisea diagnóstica"
2025-02-28 16:00 (America/New_York)
Alianza GIST y Fundación GIST México te invitan a su próximo webinar en conmemoración del Día Mundial de las Enfermedades Raras. Un espacio para profesionales de la salud. Tu participación es clave.

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GIST Summit 2025 / GDOL Texas
2025-03-01 08:00 (America/New_York) | MD Anderson Cancer Prevention Center, 1155 Pressler Street 8th Floor, Houston, TX, 77030, United States
MD Anderson Cancer Center, GIST Support International and The Life Raft Group are co-hosting GIST Summit 2025 for GIST patients and caregivers in Houston, Texas in March to showcase recent developments in GIST treatments and therapies.

REGISTERDr. Neeta Somaiah and Dr. Jonathan Trent, in partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center, GIST Support International (GSI) and The Life Raft Group (LRG) are pleased to invite you to the 2025 GIST Summit and Day of Learning to be held on Saturday, March 1, at MD Anderson Cancer Prevention Center in Houston, TX.
This free-of-charge Summit 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 communuty 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.
Proposed Agenda is below; subject to changes & additions.
Have questions? Contact Brian Morello: bmorello@liferaftgroup.org
Link to Agenda PDF
Thank You To Our Sponsors

Nutrition After GIST Surgery
2025-03-28 15:00 (America/New_York)
The Life Raft Group is partnering with María Camila Gomez, GIST Patient Advocate and Nutrition student, to present “Nutrition After GIST Surgery” on March 28 at 3PM ET. Ms. Gomez will address nutrition needs after a total or partial gastrectomy, blending her personal experience as a patient with what she has learned over the past three years of studying nutrition. A question and answer session will follow the presentation.
This webinar will be available on our YouTube channel—subscribe for updates on new GIST education videos. 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

María Camila Gómez
GIST Advocate & Nutrition Student
María Camila Gomez has been a GIST patient since the age of 16 and is currently a sixth-semester Nutrition and Dietetics student. Five years ago, after undergoing a total gastrectomy, she recognized the vital role of nutrition in overall health. This realization led her to pursue studies in nutrition, both to better understand her new reality and to support others facing similar challenges. In addition to her academic journey, María Camila creates social media content to raise awareness about life without a stomach and the importance of adapted nutrition.
Thank You to Our Webinar Sponsors!

Nutrición después de la cirugía de GIST
2025-03-28 16:00 (America/New_York)
The Life Raft Group se ha asociado con María Camila Gómez, paciente y defensora de GIST, así como estudiante de Nutrición, para presentar “Nutrición después de la cirugía de GIST” el 28 de marzo a las 4 PM ET. En esta presentación, María Camila abordará la nutrición después de una gastrectomía total o parcial, combinando su experiencia personal como paciente con los conocimientos adquiridos durante sus últimos tres años de estudio en nutrición. Al finalizar la presentación, habrá una sesión de preguntas y respuestas. Si tiene preguntas o comentarios, póngase en contacto con srothschild@liferaftgroup.org.
REGISTRATEBiografía de la Ponente:

María Camila Gómez
Defensora GIST & Estudiante de Nutrición
María Camila Gómez ha sido paciente de GIST desde los 16 años y actualmente es estudiante de sexto semestre de Nutrición y Dietética. Hace cinco años, tras someterse a una gastrectomía total, reconoció el papel fundamental de la nutrición en la salud. Esta experiencia la llevó a estudiar nutrición, tanto para comprender mejor su nueva realidad como para apoyar a otras personas que enfrentan desafíos similares. Además de su formación académica, María Camila crea contenido en redes sociales para generar conciencia sobre la vida sin estómago y la importancia de una nutrición adaptada.
Gracias a Nuestros Patrocinadores!

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!

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

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.
