The Life Raft Group

North Carolina GISTers Lunch
2019-11-12 11:30 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | Firebirds, 6801 Northlake Mall Dr, Charlotte, NJ, 28216, United States
North Carolina GISTers Lunch
Join us at Firebirds in the Northlake Mall, Charlotte, NC,
on Tuesday, November, 12 at 11:30 am.
Please RSVP to Carolyn DeWalt @ ckdew77@aol.com
or call 704-860-8201 for more information.
RSVP

NJ Support Group Meeting
2019-11-02 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | The Life Raft Group, 155 US Highway 46, Ste. 202, Wayne Plaza II, Wayne, NJ, 07470, United States
Join us at the LRG Office in Wayne, NJ on Saturday, November 2nd for a GIST Support Group at 10am.
Meet other GISTers and Caregivers.

Night to Fight Cancer 2019
2019-10-24 18:00 (America/New_York) | Midtown Loft & Terrace, 267 5th Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, United States
Join us for Night to Fight Cancer!
LRG Fundraiser
Doors open at 6 pm. Games start at 7 pm.

Register

ALL IN DONATION (POKER & CASINO) – $750
Entry into a charity poker tournament with the opportunity to win prizes
Each guest starts with $5,000 worth of chips for poker
Each guest receives $500 worth of chips for other casino games
Each guest has the opportunity for unlimited Re-Buys during the first hour (Re-Buys cost $500 and get you $2,000 worth of chips)
Open bar and food
POKER DONATION – $600
Entry into a poker tournament with the opportunity to win prizes
Each guest starts with $5,000 worth of chips
Each guest has the opportunity for unlimited Re-Buys during the first hour (Re-Buys cost $500 and get you $2,000 worth of chips)
Open bar and food
CASINO DONATION – $300
Entry into the event to play casino games (Blackjack, roulette, craps)
Each guest starts with $500 worth of chips
Opportunity to purchase additional chips (Additional chips cost $40 for $200 worth of chips and $100 for $500 worth of chips)
Each guest will have the opportunity to upgrade to a poker player for $300 (before games start)
Open bar and food
Club Sponsors
Hearts Sponsors

GIST CHAT 101: Learn the Basics
2019-10-15 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
GIST CHAT 101: Learn the Basics

GIST CHAT is our new ListServ replacement launching on October 15th.

During the webinar we will show you how to:

Register
Post
Reply
Search
…and a few other helpful tips and tricks

Watch the Webinar

LRG Webcast Series: Dental Healthcare in GIST
2019-10-07
Dr. Nikhil Guhagarkar will be discussing the dental and oral complications of drugs used in GIST treatment and treatment of these side effects. He will also speak about methods of maintaining good oral hygiene. This video will be prerecorded and released on October 7th and Dr. Guhagarkar will answer questions that you’ve submitted. Please submit questions ahead of time, you may do so here:

Listen to the Webcast
Dr. Guhagarkar is a GISTer and active GIST advocate. He is a City Chapter Leader for Friends of Max India, a Board Member of SPAEN, the author of a Friends Of Max publication titled, “A Guide to Nutrition and Holistic Way of Living with GIST” and participated as an expert in the LRG Webcast Series with “Nutrition and Healthy Living with GIST.”
About the Presenter:
Dr. Nikhil Guhagarkar is an Oral And Maxillofacial Surgeon and Dentist and has over 21 years of experience in his field. Dr. Guhagarkar practices at the Guhagarkar Dental Care Centre in Vileparle, Mumbai, India. He completed his BDS from Government Dental College & Hospital, Mumbai in 1994 and MDS – Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery from Nair Hospital Dental College (NHDC), Mumbai in 1998. He is a member of Indian Dental Association and Indian Association of Oral Surgery.

Technical Tips to Join Meeting:

This is a recorded presentation which will be released on October 7th. Further instructions will be forthcoming. Dr. Guhagarkar will answer your questions. If you wish to submit questions, please do so here: QUESTIONS

Disclaimer:
We cannot provide individual medical advice during this webcast. Information provided in this webcast is not intended as a substitute for your physician’s guidance and care.

GIST Day of Learning - Ottawa
2019-09-28 09:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | Ottawa Conference and Event Centre, 200 Coventry Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1K 4S3, Canada
GDOL Ottawa
Registration is open for the GIST Day of Learning in Ottawa. This is a one-day conference that provides education and support for people living with Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour (GIST), a soft-tissue sarcoma that can occur anywhere along the GI tract. The speakers at the GIST Day of Learning will cover many aspects of living with and understanding GIST. This conference will also provide a great opportunity to connect with other GIST patients and caregivers as well as the speakers.
The Day of Learning is open to those who have GIST, family members, caregivers, healthcare providers and anyone who wishes to learn more about GIST.
There is no cost for attending the GIST Day of Learning.

Register

Agenda:
(As of 8/29/19, please check at https://liferaftgroup.ca/join-us-at-the-ottawa-gist-day-of-learning/ to register and see updates)

GDOL Location:
Ottawa Conference and Event Centre
200 Coventry Road, Ottawa, ON K1K 4S3
Free Parking
Conference Hotel:
Courtyard by Marriott Ottawa East
200 Coventry Road
Ottawa, ON K1K 4S3
Free Parking

We gratefully acknowledge our GIST Day of Learning sponsors

LRG Webcast Series: Updates on the Temozolomide Trial
2019-09-11 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
The Temozolomide Trial for SDH-deficient GIST Patients
GIST is becoming increasingly diverse. SDH-deficient GIST and paragangliomas often occur in adolescents and young adults. Since these SDH mutations are germline, multiple generations of family members are affected.

Dr. Jason Sicklick of Moores Cancer Center at the University of California San Diego will present a webcast detailing the Phase II study of Temozolomide (TMZ) in advanced SDH-mutant/deficient GIST, a new study available to patients with SDH-deficient GIST.

Listen to the Webinar

About the Presenter:
Jason K. Sicklick, MD, FACS, is an Associate Professor of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology; and Co-Director, Biorepository and Tissue Technology Shared Resource, Moores Cancer Center at the University of California, San Diego, UC San Diego Health Sciences.

Technical Tips to Join Meeting:

This is a web-only meeting, accessed only by your internet connection. Participants are encouraged to use the web link automatically provided after registration and to use computer speakers (and/or headsets if available) to hear the audio portion of the meeting. Please log in at least ten minutes prior to the start of the webinar.
Please ensure you have an updated version of Adobe Flash Player (Google Chrome has Flash built-in).
If you are using a mobile device or tablet, in order to view and hear the conference, download the ReadyTalk App from your App store.

Disclaimer:
We cannot provide individual medical advice during this webcast. Information provided in this webcast is not intended as a substitute for your physician’s guidance and care.

LRG Webcast Series: Medicare 101
2019-09-09 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Medicare 101: An Overview of the A, B, C, and Ds of Medicare

The A B C’s of Medicare: Everything you need to know
What is Medicare, am I eligible and how do I enroll?
What does Medicare cover?
How much does it cost?
Which path should I choose – Medigap Supplement Insurance or Medicare Advantage Plan?
How about Prescription Drug coverage?
Financial Assistance Programs to help with Medicare costs

RECAP HERE

There will be a 15 minute Q & A at the end of the presentation.
About the Presenter:
Kathy Sarmiento has been working for the Alliance for Aging for fifteen years. The Alliance for Aging is the non-profit Area Agency on Aging for Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties in Florida. In her role as the SHINE Liaison, Kathy manages the all aspects of the free SHINE Medicare counseling program. Kathy also manages the Benefits Enrollment Center at the Alliance for Aging. The Benefits Enrollment Center is a grant from the National Council on Aging to provide five core benefits to financially needy Medicare beneficiaries. Those five core benefits are Medicaid, food assistance, assistance paying for Medicare, Prescription Drug assistance and assistance paying the light bill.

Technical Tips to Join Meeting:

This is a web-only meeting, accessed only by your internet connection. Participants are encouraged to use the web link automatically provided after registration and to use computer speakers (and/or headsets if available) to hear the audio portion of the meeting. Please log in at least ten minutes prior to the start of the webinar.
Please ensure you have an updated version of Adobe Flash Player (Google Chrome has Flash built-in).
If you are using a mobile device or tablet, in order to view and hear the conference, download the ReadyTalk App from your App store.

Disclaimer:
We cannot provide individual medical advice during this webcast. Information provided in this webcast is not intended as a substitute for your physician’s guidance and care.

Colorado Support Group Meeting
2019-09-07
A Colorado Life Raft support group meeting is being held on Saturday, Sept.
7th at 11:00am in the Denver suburbs (80111 area code). All GISTers and caregivers/family are welcome.
With David Josephy of The Life Raft Group Canada
Please email for specifics if interested.
John Abrams
LRG Colorado State Leader

Contact for more information/RSVP

Special Guest: David Josephy

David Josephy is a Profesor of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Guelph, where he has taught for more than 35 years. He has been President of GIST Sarcoma Life Raft Group Canada (LRGC) since its inception in 2009. In 2010, David spent a sabbatical term working in the laboratory of Dr. Jonathan Fletcher, a leading GIST researcher at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. David is a member of the Science Team of The Life Raft Group (USA) and collaborates with GIST patient support groups around the world. His research interests are in the field of Molecular Toxicology. He is particularly interested in the scientific basis for development of new small-molecule drugs for GIST

Informational Webinar on Avapritinib
2019-08-20 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Informational Webinar on Avapritinib Clinical Trial Program in GIST – presented by Blueprint Medicines

RECAP HERE

Tuesday, August 20, Blueprint Medicines is working with The Life Raft Group and GIST Support International to host a webinar providing a data update from the registration-enabling NAVIGATOR trial of the investigational treatment avapritinib in patients with PDGFRA Exon 18 mutant GIST and fourth-line GIST. These data were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting on June 1, 2019. Please see here for the press release summarizing the data and the slides presented at ASCO.
The webinar will be held on August 20th beginning at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time (1:00 p.m., Pacific Time). Maria Roche, Senior Medical Director at Blueprint Medicines, will provide an overview of the data presented at ASCO and an update on ongoing or planned studies in multiple lines of GIST treatment. We invite patients with GIST and their families to participate in this informational webinar – see details to access the webinar below.
Please submit suggested questions that you would like to be addressed during the webinar to patients@blueprintmedicines.com by Thursday, August 15th.

LRG Webcast Series: When to Consider Surgery
2019-08-08 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
This webcast will address the issues surrounding the decision to have an operation. Most GIST patients will see a surgeon at some point during their treatment. The decision to consider surgical options depends on a number of factors such as tumor location, tumor size, tumor number, response to drug therapy, and risk of recurrence.
Dr. Jason Sicklick from Moores Cancer Center at the University of California San Diego will discuss situations when surgical management may be appropriate for managing localized, regionally advanced and metastatic GIST.

Listen To The Webcast

There will be a 15 minute Q & A at the end of the presentation.

About the Presenter:
Jason K. Sicklick, MD, FACS, is an Associate Professor of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology; and Co-Director, Biorepository and Tissue Technology Shared Resource, Moores Cancer Center at the University of California, San Diego, UC San Diego Health Sciences.

Technical Tips to Join Meeting:

This is a web-only meeting, accessed only by your internet connection. Participants are encouraged to use the web link automatically provided after registration and to use computer speakers (and/or headsets if available) to hear the audio portion of the meeting. Please log in at least ten minutes prior to the start of the webinar.
Please ensure you have an updated version of Adobe Flash Player (Google Chrome has Flash built-in).
If you are using a mobile device or tablet, in order to view and hear the conference, download the ReadyTalk App from your App store.

Disclaimer:
We cannot provide individual medical advice during this webcast. Information provided in this webcast is not intended as a substitute for your physician’s guidance and care.

Novel Treatments in GIST
2019-07-24 14:00 (America/New_York)
View Webcast

Sarcoma EuroNet (SPAEN) is hosting this webcast on July 24th 2019, 8pm CEST/2pm EST by Dr. Jonathan Trent, Professor of Medicine, Associate Director, Clinical Research Director, Sarcoma Medical Research Program, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA.
Link to join via computer: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/801950117
Access Code: 801-950-117

GIST Awareness Day - Nairobi, Kenya
2019-07-20 08:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Nairobi Hospital Cancer Center, Nairobi, Kenya
Celebrate GIST Awareness Day (GAD) at a GIST Day of Learning from 8-11am on July 20th at The Nairobi Hospital Cancer Center with Henzo Kenya, in partnership with The Nairobi Hospital and The Max Foundation. You can download the flyer pictured below here.

Understanding Deciphera's INTRIGUE Clinical Trial
2019-07-15 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
July 15th, 4-5pm ET
Presented by Dr. Jonathan Trent, Professor of Medicine, Associate Director, Sarcoma Medical Research Program, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami – Miami, Florida, USA
During the webinar Deciphera will provide education on the following topics:

An overview of Deciphera Pharmceuticals, Inc.
Understanding gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST)
Current treatment options for GIST patients
An overview of the INTRIGUE Clinical Trial

Viewing Link: www.intriguewebinar.com
Dial-in Number: 1-877-594-8353
Access code: [REDACTED]
Download Deciphera Intrigue flyer

GIST Awareness Day - Mumbai, India
2019-07-14
The Max Foundation is planning a special day for Friends of Max (FOM) on Sunday, July 14th in Mumbai, India to observe and celebrate GIST Day of Awareness (GAD) 2019. This is the annual Patient Group Meeting for the FOM Mumbai City Chapter in the Tata Memorial Hospital auditorium. We are expecting a large group of CML and GIST patients as well as our oncologist fraternity and many of our nonprofit peers from around the city. Please join us! For more information contact Viji Venkatesh at vvenkatesh@themaxfoundation.org or Nikhil Guhagarkar at gdental99@gmail.com.

GAD Luncheon - Metro NY Area
2019-07-13 13:00 (America/New_York)
Hello NY Metro area GISTers!
Please let me know if you are able to join us this year at our annual GIST Awareness Day luncheon on July 13th at 1:00 pm.
July 13th at 1:00 pm – Please RSVP asap to Pat Swenson.
Bethpage State Park

HAGÁMOSLO POSIBLE
2019-07-13
A GIST Awareness Day event presented by Fundación GIST Chile on July 13, 2019
Día internacional de la concientización del GIST
Colaboremos para lograr tener diagnósticos oportunos y tratamientos adecuados para los pacientes con GIST, y para tener una Ley Nacional del Cáncer con financiamiento.

download flyer
Hagámoslo posible – GIST Chile
GIST and other gastrointestinal cancer patients and caregivers will meet to raise awareness of the needs of cancer patients in Chile to have a National Cancer Law with a budget assigned by the government.
Agenda:
Welcome new patients
How can we help ourselves to have a good quality of life?
Update on news regarding the status of the National Cancer Law
Coffee Break
Share individual experiences
Group and individual GAD 2019 photos
Location:
Av. Cristobal Colon 4198, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
For more information contact: pfernandez@gistchile.cl

GDOL Portland 2019
2019-06-22 08:30 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Oregon Health & Science University, Robertson Life Sciences Building, 2730 SW Moody Ave, Room 2S060, Portland, OR, 97201, United States
See recap of event

GDOL (GIST Day of Learning) 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 has a simple focus: to cure a form of cancer — GIST — and to help those living with it until then. To do this, the Life Raft Group focuses on three key areas: research, patient support & education, and advocacy, which lay the foundation of our mission to ensure the survival of GIST patients through a comprehensive approach connecting individual patients’ needs, the worldwide community of GIST advocates and the global health and research environment.

View agenda for GDOL Portland

Register by clicking the button above. Any questions, please contact Diana Nieves, dnieves@liferaftgroup.org

Symptom and Side Effect Management
2019-06-18 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Listen to the Webcast

GIST and its treatment can cause a variety of symptoms. Adequate management of symptoms can improve a patient’s quality of life. Proper management can also allow the patient to remain on treatment without a decrease in dosage, interruption of treatment, or even the discontinuation of treatment. Staying on treatment as prescribed gives patients the best chance of a good outcome and in some cases has been shown to improve survival rates.
In this webcast, Dr. Lori Williams, Associate Professor in the Department of Symptom Research at MD Anderson Cancer Center, will review common symptoms associated with GIST and some of its treatments. She will present methods patients can use to self-manage symptoms as well as how to discuss and when to report symptoms to health care providers.
Pete Knox, LRG Senior Director of Research, will also share an update on our interactive side effects management platform, SideEQ. This platform is a great tool to allow patients to optimize their overall health by learning and sharing tips with others on how to manage side effects. To learn more, visit MySideEQ.org
There will be a 15 minute Q & A at the end of the presentation.
About the Presenters:
Dr. Lori Williams is an Associate Professor in the Department of Symptom Research at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and an Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse. She has worked in oncology nursing for more than 35 years. She is a member of the executive board of the Patient Advocate and National Patient Advocate Foundations and a secretary-treasurer of the Board of the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation. Her current work at MD Anderson involves the study of symptoms of cancer and cancer treatment. She is currently working with leadership at MD Anderson to institute routine clinical symptom monitoring for all patients.
As Senior Director of Research, Pete Knox is a key member of the Real World Evidence Team, utilizing his analytic skills to provide strategic oversight of the Life Raft Group’s research and data platforms. In this role, he identifies and develops potential collaborations with institutions and organizations that utilize data to advance research, with the goal of improving overall survival and quality of life for GIST patients.

Technical Tips to Join Meeting:

This is a web only meeting, accessed only by your internet connection. Participants are encouraged to use the web link automatically provided after registration and to use computer speakers (and/or headsets if available) to hear the audio portion of the meeting. Please log in at least ten minutes prior to the start of the webinar.
Please ensure you have an updated version of Adobe Flash Player (Google Chrome has Flash built in).
If you are using a mobile device or tablet, in order to view and hear the conference, download the ReadyTalk App from your App store.

Disclaimer:
We cannot provide individual medical advice during this webcast. Information provided in this webcast is not intended as a substitute for your physician’s guidance and care.

Life Raft Group Canada - Kitchener Get-Together
2019-05-26 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Mill Courtland Community Centre, 216 Mill Street, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
This is an invitation for GIST patients, caregivers, and anyone interested in GIST (Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors) to get together to lear more about this rate disease and share collective knowledge about living with and managing GIST.
Sunday, May 26th, 2019 – 2PM-4PM
Doors open at 1:30

Hazel McLeod will lead an informal round-table discussion

David Josephy will give a GIST presentation that includes a Q&A session
David Josephy is a Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Guelph, where he has taught for more than 35 years. He has been President of GIST Sarcoma Life Raft Group Canada (LRGC) since its inception in 2008. In 2010, David spent a sabbatical term working in the laboratory of Dr. Jonathan Fletcher, a leading GIST researcher at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. David is a member of the Science Team of The Life Raft Group (USA) and collaborates with GIST patient support groups around the world. His research interests are in the field of Molecular Toxicology. He is particularly interested in the scientific basis for development of new small-molecule drugs for GIST.

To REGISTER or for further INFORMATION
please reply to this email or
contact Life Raft Group Canada
855-574-4478
info@liferaftgroup.ca

GDOL Tampa 2019
2019-05-18 07:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Stabile Research Building at Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL, 33612, United States
see recap of event

GDOL (GIST Day of Learning) 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 has a simple focus: to cure a form of cancer — GIST — and to help those living with it until then. To do this, the Life Raft Group focuses on three key areas: research, patient support & education, and advocacy, which lay the foundation of our mission to ensure the survival of GIST patients through a comprehensive approach connecting individual patients’ needs, the worldwide community of GIST advocates and the global health and research environment.

View Agenda for GDOL Tampa

Register by clicking the button above. Any questions, please contact Diana Nieves, dnieves@liferaftgroup.org

Water of Life
2019-05-16 17:45 - 22:30 (America/New_York) | The Platform At The Pennsy, 2 Pennsylvania Plaza, 2nd Floor, New York, NY, 10121, United States
Tickets

Now in its fifth year, the Water of Life is a wonderful evening. Considered by Forbes Online to be one of the top whisky events in the world (and just one of two in the United States to make the list) this event benefiting the Life Raft Group is your chance to enjoy several top spirits with the experts who can discuss them best.
Whether you crave a spirit that is old in age, or old and dusty due to years in the bottle; one that is smoky; one that is heavily influenced by a sherry cask, or bourbon cask, or port cask; or one from world markets other than just the US or UK, the Water of Life is the best opportunity to quench your thirst. Maybe a cigar as well?
It will also quench your thirst for knowledge. Enjoy your drams in the presence of some of the best-known makers, ambassadors, distributors, retailers, bloggers, and even purchasers assembled at a whisky event.
With pricing tiers for a range of aficionados, from beginners to Keepers, the Water of Life allows something for everyone. Whether you select standard, VIP, or Ultra-VIP you will treated to a memorable night.
And remember, as your ticket price is considered a charity donation, you can feel good about yourself, while also feeling quite good!
Slàinte Mhath!
Come to Water of Life 2019 and support The Life Raft Group.

The mission of the Life Raft Group is to enhance survival and quality of life for people living with GIST through patient-powered research, education and empowerment, and global advocacy efforts.

Wednesday May 15 at 6pm
Ultra-VIP event (exact details sent to attendees)

Thursday May 16
5:45 pm – 6:30 pm

Masterclass
6:30 pm -7:30 pm
VIP Only

Main Event
7:30 pm – 10:30 pm

LRG Webcast: Optimizing Treatment
2019-05-16 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Are you interested in optimizing your treatment?

Listen to the Webcast

This world-renown GIST expert from Europe will share his wealth of experience and insight about how he has helped patients live longer, and how he consults with fellow physicians on the best treatment plan for their patients.
Dr. Peter Reichardt is Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Oncology and Palliative Care at the Helios Klinikum Berlin-Buch in Berlin, Germany, and is Director of the Cancer Center Berlin-Buch and the Sarcoma Center Berlin-Brandenburg.
In this webcast Dr. Reichardt will discuss surgery for metastatic disease, imatinib plasma level testing, and the management of side effects.
He will also cover dosing, dose escalation and dose schedules, and will explain mutations and the importance of mutational testing.

About the Presenter:
Dr. Peter Reichardt trained in internal medicine and haematology/oncology at the University of Heidelberg and at the MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA. From 1992 to 2007, he was a consultant at the Charité University Hospital in Berlin. Dr. Reichardt has led and conducted multiple clinical trials in bone sarcomas, soft tissue sarcomas, and gastrointestinal stromal tumours in the adjuvant, advanced, and refractory settings.

Dr. Reichardt is a co-author of the current European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) guidelines for the management of GIST, soft tissue and bone sarcomas and a member of the ESMO Sarcoma Faculty. He is chairman of the Scientific Committee of the GIST and Sarcoma patients’ organization ‘Das Lebenshaus’, a member of the Medical Board of the MAX Foundation, and a member of the Life Raft Group’s Global GIST Advisory Team. Dr. Reichardt has contributed to numerous publications on soft tissue sarcoma and GIST management in leading oncology journals.

There will be a 15 minute Q&A at the end of the presentation.

Technical Tips to Join Meeting:

This is a web only meeting, accessed only by your internet connection. Participants are encouraged to use the web link automatically provided after registration and to use computer speakers (and/or headsets if available) to hear the audio portion of the meeting. Please log in at least ten minutes prior to the start of the webinar.
Please ensure you have an updated version of Adobe Flash Player (Google Chrome has Flash built in).
If you are using a mobile device or tablet, in order to view and hear the conference, download the ReadyTalk App from your App store.

Disclaimer:
We cannot provide individual medical advice during this webcast. Information provided in this webcast is not intended as a substitute for your physician’s guidance and care.

Chicago - LRG Support Group Meeting
2019-05-11 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago)
GIST Chicago Support Group
Support group for people living with GIST in the Chicago area.
The typical agenda includes Patient GIST Journey updates and may also include outside subject matter experts as well as informal updates on GIST management and recent GIST publications or meeting presentations.
Attendees are asked to bring a snack or beverage to share.
If you are planning to attend, please RSVP via text to 847-302-5133, so that we can plan for food and room setup.
Location: Wellness house is located at 131 N. County Line Rd. One block east of Hinsdale Hospital. Parking is free.
Doors open at 12:30pm

Colorado - LRG Support Group Meeting
2019-05-11 11:00 (America/Denver)
Join us for the first Colorado Local Support Group Meeting!
May 11, 2019 @ 11 am Central
Host: Colorado State Leader, John Abrams

Register by Email

You will receive location details upon registration.
(The meeting will be held in Englewood, Colorado)

GDOL New Jersey 2019
2019-05-09 08:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | Courtyard Marriott, 263 U.S. 46 West, Wayne, 07470, United States
Register

GDOL (GIST Day of Learning) 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 has a simple focus: to cure a form of cancer — GIST — and to help those living with it until then. To do this, the Life Raft Group focuses on three key areas: research, patient support & education, and advocacy, which lay the foundation of our mission to ensure the survival of GIST patients through a comprehensive approach connecting individual patients’ needs, the worldwide community of GIST advocates and the global health and research environment.

view agenda for GDOL NJ

Register by clicking the button above. Any questions, please contact Diana Nieves, dnieves@liferaftgroup.org

Ask the Experts LIVE
2019-05-08 13:00 (America/New_York) | You Tube Live
Want to know more about GIST?
Do you have some burning questions to ask GIST experts?

Members of the LRG GIST Global Expert Surveillance Team
will be at the LRG offices on May 8th at 1:00 pm ET for an
Ask the Experts LIVE event to be broadcast on YouTube Live.

Dr. Gary Schwartz
Columbia University Irving Medical Center

Dr. Jason Sicklick
Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego

Dr. Jonathan Trent
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

Register

We welcome you to submit your questions ahead of time.
Questions can be emailed to Sara Rothschild at srothschild@liferaftgroup.org.
Viewers can also ask questions live during the event.

Disclaimer:
We cannot provide individual medical advice during this live event. Information provided is not intended as a substitute for your physician’s guidance and care.

GIST DO IT NJ
2019-05-04 08:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Verona Park, Bloomfield Ave & Lakeside Avenue, Verona, NJ, 07044, United States
Join us for a day of fun and fundraising

Walk to find a cure
Refreshments
Giveaways
Guest Speakers
and much more

Click below to Register, Create a Team, or Join a Team

All participants raising $50+ will have the chance to receive special recognition gifts based on their fundraising level. (Includes registration fee)
$50
· GIST DO IT T-Shirt
$150
· GIST DO IT T-Shirt
· GIST DO IT Water Bottle
$500
· GIST DO IT T-Shirt
· GIST DO IT Water Bottle
· Social Media Recognition
$1000
· GIST DO IT T-Shirt
· GIST DO IT Water Bottle
· Social Media Recognition
· Newsletter Recognition
Funds from GIST DO IT will be directed towards GIST Research

For questions or sponsorship opportunities please contact Diana Nieves by phone or email
973-837-9092 ext. 102
dnieves@liferaftgroup.org

LRG Webcast: Genetic Testing and SDHx Mutations
2019-05-03 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Genetic Testing and SDHx Mutations:
What do they have to do with PGL/GIST/Pheos?
LISTEN TO WEBCAST

This webcast will highlight how SDHx mutations impact risks for paraganglioma, pheochromocytomas, and GIST. We’ll discuss why genetic testing is helpful for any diagnosis of GIST, paraganglioma or pheochromocytoma, and what the SDHx genes have to do with tumor risk. We’ll discuss what types of tumors are associated with mutations in the SDHx genes, and how different SDHx genes (SDHA, SDHB, SDHC, SDHD, SDHAF2) have different tumor and location risks. This webcast will highlight recommendations for screening and current research initiatives for SDHx and paragangliomas.

About the Presenter:
Samantha Greenberg is a board-certified genetic counselor who oversees the SDHx clinic and specializes in paraganglioma research at Huntsman Cancer Institute. She graduated with a Master’s Degree in Human Genetics and a Master’s of Public Health from the University of Michigan, and a Bachelor’s Degree in neuroscience from the same university. Prior to her graduate training, she taught 7th grade science in Tulsa, Oklahoma, through Teach for America. At Huntsman, Samantha also continues public health genomics work with the Department of Health focused on rural clinician education and programming. She has worked to expand cancer genetics’ role in genitourinary cancers, and oversees the VHL Clinical Care Center.

Technical Tips to Join Meeting:

This is a web only meeting, accessed only by your internet connection. Participants are encouraged to use the web link automatically provided after registration and to use computer speakers (and/or headsets if available) to hear the audio portion of the meeting. Please log in at least ten minutes prior to the start of the webinar.
Please ensure you have an updated version of Adobe Flash Player (Google Chrome has Flash built in).
If you are using a mobile device or tablet, in order to view and hear the conference, download the ReadyTalk App from your App store.

Disclaimer:
We cannot provide individual medical advice during this webcast. Information provided in this webcast is not intended as a substitute for your physician’s guidance and care.

GIST Day of Learning - Vancouver
2019-04-27 09:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Best Western Chateau Granville Hotel, 1100 Granville St, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6Z 2B6, Canada
GIST Sarcoma Life Raft Group Canada is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the GIST Day of Learning in Vancouver. This is a one-day conference that provides education and support for people who have GIST (Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour), which is a soft-tissue sarcoma that can occur anywhere along the GI tract. The Day of Learning will cover many aspects of living with and understanding GIST and provide an update on investigational new drugs being evaluated in clinical trials for GIST. It will also provide a great opportunity to connect with other GIST patients, caregivers and the presenters.
The Day of Learning is open to people who have GIST, family members, caregivers, healthcare providers and anyone who wishes to learn more about GIST. There is no charge for attending the GIST Day of Learning.

Agenda
Morning Sessions
The Biology of GIST: What Every Patient Needs to Know
David Josephy, LRGC President
Your GIST Journey – A Round-Table Discussion
Hazel McLeod, LRGC Director
Afternoon Sessions
Clinical Management of GIST
Xiaolan Feng, MD, BC Cancer
Development of the Next Generation of GIST Treatments
Michael Heinrich, MD, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University

Our keynote speaker is Dr. Michael Heinrich
Dr. Heinrich earned his medical degree from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore and completed both his residency training and fellowship in hematology/medical oncology at Oregon Health & Sciences University (OHSU). Dr. Heinrich’s research, like much of the work at the Knight Cancer Institute, revolves around a basic, yet complex premise. You have to understand what is broken in order to fix it. That’s why Dr. Heinrich is intently focused on identifying the molecular targets that cause cancer, which is essential to the development of better and less toxic therapies. He is recognized internationally for groundbreaking research discoveries that have improved care for patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and his research has implications for many types of cancer.
This all-day conference will include:

6 educational sessions including Q & A
Lots of opportunity to mix and mingle
Continental breakfast, lunch and refreshments

REGISTER HERE
When:
Saturday April 27, 2019
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
(Doors open at 8:15)
Where:
Best Western Chateau Granville Hotel
1100 Granville St,
Vancouver, BC V6Z 2B6
Questions?
Contact Malcolm Sutherland
malcolm.sutherland@liferaftgroup.ca
855-574-4478
