Virtual Florida Support Group
2025-11-10 18:00, 2025-12-08 18:00, 2026-01-12 18:00, 2026-02-09 18:00, 2026-03-09 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.

The WOLF 2025
2025-11-13 18:00 (America/New_York) | Keens Steakhouse, 72 West 36th St, New York, 10018, United States
REGISTERThe Life Raft Group & Dr. Matthew Lurin invite
you to the 8th Annual Water of Life Fall Event this November 13th at Keens Steakhouse in New York City.
The WOLF begins at 6PM.
Step into the warmth of autumn at the 8th Annual Water of Life Fall Event (The WOLF)—an unforgettable evening of whisky, flavor, and community. Hosted at the legendary Keens Steakhouse in New York City, this celebration brings together the finest in single malts and rare blends, paired with the rich, mouthwatering cuisine that has made Keens an icon for over a century. Imagine the golden glow of whisky in your glass, the aroma of perfectly seared steak, and the lively buzz of conversation as friends old and new gather to toast to life.
But The WOLF is more than an extraordinary night of luxury delights—it’s a night of purpose. Every sip and every bite fuels a greater mission: raising funds for groundbreaking GIST cancer research. Over the years, this event has become a cherished tradition where generosity and enjoyment meet, proving that the right mix of passion, flavor, and fellowship can make a real difference. Join us for a night that’s as meaningful as it is delicious, and be part of keeping hope alive for patients and families worldwide.
Let’s Drink Whisky to Fight Cancer! Slàinte Mhath!
Matthew J. Lurin, MD MBA FACEP CPE
Founder, the Water of Life Charity Event (The WOLF)
Menu for the evening:

SDH Support Group
2025-11-18 15:00, 2025-12-16 15:00, 2026-01-20 15:00, 2026-02-17 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
2025-11-18 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-12-16 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-01-20 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-02-17 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
2025-11-20 18:00 (America/New_York) | Elks Lodge #2167, 33 Ramapo Valley Rd, Oakland, NJ, 07436, United States
Join 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 registration (48 hr).
Re-buys and add-ons.
Hot buffet, soft drinks and coffee included.
Cash bar: beer, wine, spirits, mixed drinks.
Admission: cash, card, Venmo.
REGISTER

Virtual Texas Support Group
2025-11-24 18:00, 2025-12-22 18:00, 2026-01-26 18:00, 2026-02-23 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.

Updates from CTOS 2025
2025-12-03 12:00 (America/New_York)
REGISTERThe CTOS Annual Meeting is the yearly conference of the Connective Tissue Oncology Society, where global sarcoma experts share new research and clinical insights. The Life Raft Group is partnering with Dr. Pawel Sobczuk of Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology to present “GIST Updates from CTOS 2025” on December 3rd at 12 PM ET. During this virtual session, Dr. Sobczuk will highlight key GIST-relevant findings presented at CTOS, followed by a Q&A with attendees.
About Our Presenter

Dr. Pawel Sobczuk
Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
Pawel Sobczuk is a Polish medical oncologist and clinician-scientist with expertise in sarcoma and skin tumours. He currently works as a postdoctoral fellow at the Sarcoma Translational Research Group at Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology in Barcelona, Spain. He is a Board member of the Polish Society of Clinical Oncology. Dr. Sobczuk is a member of the ESMO Young Oncologists Committee and ESMO Communication Committee.
Dr. Sobczuk completed his medical degree at the Medical University of Warsaw. Following his medical studies, he undertook a residency in Medical Oncology at Maria-Sklodowska Curie National Research Institute of Oncology in Warsaw, where he also completed his PhD in medical sciences in 2023. He has completed a scientific fellowship at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York.
His research primarily focuses on translational studies in sarcoma, with a primary interest in response to immunotherapy and novel mechanisms of resistance to kinase inhibitors in GIST. Dr Sobczuk is a co-principal investigator of the EFTISARC-NEO clinical trial evaluating a novel immunotherapy combination in the neoadjuvant treatment of patients with soft tissue sarcoma. He has published more than 40 peer-reviewed articles in indexed journals and presented results in numerous international meetings. He serves as a member of the editorial board of renewed journals such as JCO Precision Oncology and Cancer Control.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Virtual GIST Caregiver Support Group
2025-12-03 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-01-07 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-02-04 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-03-04 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 GIST Patient Support Group
2026-01-06 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-06 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-02-03 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-03-03 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 North Carolina Patient Support Group
2026-02-24 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.

Histotripsy Demystified
2026-02-25 12:00 (America/New_York)
REGISTERThe Life Raft Group is proud to present “Histotripsy Demystified: Truths and Misconceptions Explained,” taking place on February 25, 2026, from 12:00–1:30 PM ET.
This webinar features an expert panel moderated by Dr. Elizabeth Lilley of Brigham and Women’s Hospital with Dr. Hop Tran Cao (MD Anderson Cancer Center), Dr. Suzanne George (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute), Dr. Christina Angeles (University of Michigan), Dr. Alicia Gingrich (University of Nevada/Renown Health System) and Dr. Jiping Wang and Dr. Chandrajit Raut (Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School).
This virtual discussion is open to patient and caregivers of ALL sarcoma types.
Histotripsy is a noninvasive treatment that uses focused ultrasound to mechanically destroy targeted tissue without surgery, incisions, or radiation. The procedure has only recently moved into human clinical trials and clinical use, with the first FDA clearance for treating liver tumors granted in October 2023 and broader study and adoption continuing through the mid-2020s.
This virtual panel discussion will bring together experts from multiple institutions to share diverse perspectives on histotripsy, including how the technology works, where the science currently stands, and common myths and misconceptions. Because histotripsy is being explored across multiple tumor types, the discussion will be relevant and beneficial to all sarcoma patients seeking to better understand emerging treatment approaches and their potential future role in care. A moderated Q&A segment will follow the discussion.
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:

Moderator: Dr. Elizabeth Lilley
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Dr. Elizabeth Lilley is a surgical oncologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital specializing in the management of soft tissue sarcomas, including gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), with a special focus on robotic and minimally invasive surgical techniques. Dr. Lilley is triple board certified in surgical oncology, general surgery, and palliative medicine. Her research focuses on improving the quality of surgical care for patients with metastatic and recurrent cancers by improving communication surrounding the goals and outcomes of surgery.
Dr. Lilley earned a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience from Lafayette College, a master’s of public health from Columbia University, and a medical degree from Rutgers. She completed general surgery residency at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, followed by the Harvard Interdisciplinary Palliative Care Fellowship. Upon completing fellowship training in Complex General Surgical Oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center, she joined the faculty at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, where she now leads a health services research program centered on the intersection of surgical oncology and palliative care. Her combined expertise in both sarcoma surgery and palliative medicine uniquely positions her to improve the person-centered care of patients with advanced sarcomas.

Dr. Christina Angeles
University of Michigan
Dr. Angeles is an Associate Professor with Tenure of Surgery, Associate Professor of Dermatology, and Faculty Member in the Cancer Biology PhD Program at the University of Michigan in the Division of Surgical Oncology. She earned her medical degree at Tufts University School of Medicine. She completed general surgery residency at New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medical Center. While in residency she completed a two-year basic/translational science Surgical Oncology Research Fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) focusing on the molecular biology and novel therapeutics for sarcoma. After residency, Dr. Angeles returned to MSKCC and completed a clinical Complex Surgical Oncology Fellowship. Dr. Angeles is board-certified in both General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology. She is the Director of the Regional Cancer Therapies Clinic at University of Michigan/Rogel Cancer Center.
Dr. Angeles is a nationally recognized surgeon-scientist dedicated to advancing cancer care through innovative research and compassionate patient care. As the lead investigator for multiple clinical trials at the Rogel Cancer Center, she is at the forefront of developing new treatments for melanoma and sarcoma. Her laboratory studies the immune system’s role in fighting cancer, with a special focus on how resident memory T cells can help create long-lasting protection against tumors. By combining basic science and translational research, Dr. Angeles and her team are working to transform discoveries in the lab into effective new therapies for patients. Dr. Angeles’s research has been supported by the American Cancer Society, the Melanoma Research Alliance, the Society of Surgical Oncology, and the National Institutes of Health’s National Cancer Institute (NCI-NIH).

Dr. Suzanne George
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Suzanne George, MD is the Division Chief of the Sarcoma Center at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute where leads a team focused on research and clinical care of patients with sarcomas and GIST. She has an extensive research experience in clinical trials and drug development and cares for patient from across New England, the US and internationally.

Dr. Alicia Gingrich
University of Nevada/ Renown Medical Group
Dr. Gingrich is a surgical oncologist at the University of Nevada, Reno. She attended medical school at the University of Kansas prior to completing general surgery residency at the University of California, Davis. She trained at MD Anderson for her complex general surgical oncology fellowship. Dr. Gingrich’s clinical practice focuses on soft tissue sarcoma and GIST as well as hepatobiliary tumors. The University of Nevada, Reno/Renown were one of the early adopters of Histotripsy and have been performing this procedure for 2 years. She utilizes Histotripsy for select patients with liver tumors.

Dr. Chandrajit P. Raut
Chief, Division of Surgical Oncology, Mass General Brigham
Dr. Raut is a dedicated surgical oncologist who specializes in the multidisciplinary care of patients with soft tissue sarcoma. He is a prolific researcher who has received federal funding to investigate sarcoma tumor genetics and identify strategies at reducing sarcoma recurrence rates. Additionally, he has served as co-PI or institutional PI on several US and international phase 2 or phase 3 clinical trials evaluating neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapies in various sarcomas.
Dr. Raut is a graduate of Stanford University, University of Oxford, and Harvard Medical School. He completed his general surgery residency at Massachusetts General Hospital and surgical oncology fellowship at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.
Dr. Raut currently serves as Chair of the AJCC Soft Tissue Sarcoma Staging Panel (9th edition), Co-Chair of the Surgery Committee in the cancer cooperative group Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology, and Treasurer on the Executive Board of the Connective Tissue Oncology Society. In 2013, he co-founded the Transatlantic Australasian Retroperitoneal Sarcoma Working Group. He is the former Program Director of the Mass General Brigham/Dana-Farber Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellowship Program at Harvard Medical School. He serves as Section Editor for sarcoma in the journals Cancer and Surgical Oncology Insights. He has authored over 300 papers and over 30 book chapters.

Dr. Hop Tran Cao
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Dr. Hop Tran Cao is an Associate Professor and Vice-Chair of Clinical Operations in the Department of Surgical Oncology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, where he specializes in the management of hepatobiliary tumors. He is an expert in minimally invasive surgical techniques and chairs the Minimally Invasive and New Technology in Oncologic Surgery governing committee at MD Anderson. He also chairs the multidisciplinary Histotripsy Steering Committee.
Dr. Tran Cao’s research focuses on improving cancer care quality and precision. He completed his General Surgery residency at the University of California San Diego and his fellowship in Complex General Surgical Oncology at MD Anderson.

Dr. Jiping Wang
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Dr. Jiping Wang is a surgical oncologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. He specializes in treating gastric, liver, and pancreatic cancer and soft tissue sarcoma. He has a special interest in using minimally invasive platforms to perform cancer surgeries. In this video he explains robotic surgery for patients.
