Virtual GIST Caregiver Support Group
2026-03-04 13:00 - 14:00, 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 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
2026-03-09 18:00, 2026-04-13 18:00, 2026-05-11 18:00, 2026-06-08 18:00, 2026-07-13 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.

SDH Support Group
2026-03-17 15:00, 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 GIST Patient Support Group
2026-03-17 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-04-21 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-05-19 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-06-16 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 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 Rachel LoCurto at rlocurto@liferaftgroup.org with any questions or to get the Zoom link.

Virtual GIST Patient Support Group
2026-04-07 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-05-05 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-06-02 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 Rachel LoCurto to join: rlocurto@liferaftgroup.org

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 Rachel LoCurto: rlocurto@liferaftgroup.org for the Zoom link for the meeting.

Life Fest 2026 - Nashville
2026-07-10 08:00 - 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 information is below and airline discount information is TBA.

REGISTER
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:
