Virtual North Carolina Patient Support Group
2026-08-25 14:00, 2026-10-27 14:00, 2026-12-29 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 supportgroups@liferaftgroup.org for the Zoom link for the meeting.

Virtual GIST Patient Support Group
2026-09-01 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-10-06 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-11-03 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-12-01 18:00 - 19:30, 2027-01-05 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 for the Zoom link for the meeting.

Virtual GIST Caregiver Support Group
2026-09-02 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-10-07 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-11-04 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-12-02 13:00 - 14:00, 2027-01-06 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.
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.

Virtual Florida Support Group
2026-09-14 18:00, 2026-10-12 18:00, 2026-11-09 18:00, 2026-12-14 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.

SDH Support Group
2026-09-15 15:00, 2026-10-20 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 GIST Patient Support Group
2026-09-15 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-10-20 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-11-17 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-12-15 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.
If you wish to attend, please email supportgroups@liferaftgroup.org

Texas Hold’Em Poker Event
2026-09-24 19:00 (America/New_York) | Elks Lodge #2167, 33 Ramapo Valley Rd, Oakland, NJ, 07436, United States
REGISTERJoin us for an exciting evening of cards, camaraderie, and fun at our Texas Hold’em! Whether you’re a seasoned player or just love the thrill of the game, this is your chance to go all in for a great cause. Exciting prizes will be awarded throughout the night.
Event Details:
Check-in and buffet at 6:00PM.
$5,000 prize pool (for 75+ players)
$100 buy-in (5,000 chips)
500-chip bonus for early RSVP (48 h)
Re-buys and add-ons.
Included: Italian buffet, salads, dessert. Included: soda and coffee.
Full cash bar.
Admission: cash, card, Venmo, check.

GDOL Minnesota
2026-09-26 08:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Judd Hall Auditorium, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, Minnesota, 55905
GDOL Minnesota will take place in-person at Mayo Clinic, Judd Hall Auditorium, Mayo Building, Subway Level, Room 00, 200 First Street SW in Rochester.
REGISTERDownload PDF of Agenda (subject to change.)

What is a GDOL?
A GDOL is a GIST Day of Learning. This is a free one day event to help patients and caregivers learn more about this rare cancer, find support, and enhance their knowledge base to help them navigate their cancer journey.
The Life Raft Group is committed to enhancing the survival and quality of life for people living with Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST), and other rare diseases, through patient-powered research, education and empowerment, and global advocacy efforts. Our vision is to empower a future fueled by data, guiding our journey toward cures for rare diseases.
If you have any questions, please contact Brian Morello at bmorello@liferaftgroup.org

Virtual Texas Support Group
2026-09-28 18:00, 2026-10-26 18:00, 2026-11-23 18:00, 2026-12-28 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.
If you wish to attend, please email supportgroups@liferaftgroup.org for the Zoom link for the meeting.

GDOL San Diego
2026-10-24 | Moores Cancer Center, 3855 Health Sciences Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037, La Jolla, CA, 92037, United States
GDOL San Diego will take place in-person at Moores Cancer Center, 3855 Health Sciences Dr, 2nd floor, La Jolla, CA 92037 on October 24, 2026.
REGISTERDownload PDF of Agenda (subject to change.)

What is a GDOL?

A GDOL is a GIST Day of Learning. This is a free one day event to help patients and caregivers learn more about this rare cancer, find support, and enhance their knowledge base to help them navigate their cancer journey,
The Life Raft Group is committed to enhancing the survival and quality of life for people living with Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST), and other rare diseases, through patient-powered research, education and empowerment, and global advocacy efforts. Our vision is to empower a future fueled by data, guiding our journey toward cures for rare diseases.
If you have any questions, please contact Brian Morello at bmorello@liferaftgroup.org
