BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//The Life Raft Group - ECPv6.16.3//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:The Life Raft Group
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://liferaftgroup.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for The Life Raft Group
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/New_York
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20200308T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20201101T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20210314T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20211107T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20220313T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20221106T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20230312T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20231105T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20240310T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20241103T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20250309T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20251102T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20260308T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20261101T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20270314T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20271107T060000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260530T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260530T130000
DTSTAMP:20260610T055901
CREATED:20260424T124559Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260430T145715Z
UID:10001641-1780146000-1780146000@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:Understanding GIST/Role of Clinical Trials
DESCRIPTION:REGISTERGIST Sarcoma Life Raft Group Canada is holding an Online Only event on\nSaturday May 30th\, 2026 at 1:00pm. \n We will be sharing our perspective on Understanding GIST and The Role of Clinical Trials.\n \nWe will be presenting an updated GIST 101 with David Josephy.  We will also be reviewing how to navigate the Clinical Trials website and when to consider a trial with Gabriel Melkonian. We will also hear from our member – Robert Kirschman who has participated in clinical trials during his journey to share his experience.
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/gist-clinical-trials-lrg-canada/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events,Webcast
ORGANIZER;CN="GIST Sarcoma Life Raft Group Canada":MAILTO:yvonne.nunnaro@liferaftgroup.ca
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260521T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260521T120000
DTSTAMP:20260610T055901
CREATED:20260428T124406Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T144606Z
UID:10001650-1779364800-1779364800@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:What It Means to Join a Clinical Trial
DESCRIPTION:REGISTERHosted by The Life Raft Group\, join us on May 21 at 12 PM ET for a candid\, informative conversation about stepping into a clinical trial. Rashmi Chugh\, MD of University of Michigan Rogel Comprehensive Cancer Center will present how clinical trials work\, who they’re for\, and what you can really expect and Dirk Niggemeyer\, GIST patient\, will share his personal journey navigating two clinical trials. \nWhether you’re newly diagnosed\, exploring new treatment options\, or simply want to better understand clinical trials\, this session will help you make more informed decisions with confidence. \nThese 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. \nAbout Our Presenters:\n \nDr. Rashmi Chugh\nUniversity of Michigan Rogel Comprehensive Cancer Center\n \nDr. Rashmi Chugh is a Professor of Internal Medicine in the Division of Hematology/Oncology at the University of Michigan Rogel Comprehensive Cancer Center\, Associate Division Chief of Clinical Services of Hematology/Oncology\, and Sarcoma Clinical Research Team Co-Leader. Her clinical practice is focused on the care of patients with bone and soft tissue sarcoma including gastrointestinal stromal tumors.  Dr. Chugh’s research involves conducting early and late phase clinical trials of novel therapies alone or in combination with a goal to advance the care of sarcoma patients. She also is Medical Co-Director of the Michigan Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Oncology Program and has a particular interest in the care and research surrounding the unique challenges this population faces. \n \nDirk Niggemeyer\nPatient Advocate\n \nDirk Niggemeyer was diagnosed with GIST (KIT Exon 11) in July 2018 when he went from Engineering Manager and youth soccer coach to palliative care patient overnight. He continued working until late 2021. Dirk has participated in two medical studies: For 15 months\, he was in the control group in the Phase 3 Sutent vs Qinlock study\, and he has been participating in the IDRX-42 Phase 1b study for the last 22 months. \nThank You to Our Sponsors:
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/what-it-means-to-join-a-clinical-trial/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events,Webcast
ORGANIZER;CN="Rebecca Pauley":MAILTO:rpauley@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250524T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250524T130000
DTSTAMP:20260610T055901
CREATED:20250504T172256Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250504T172256Z
UID:10000821-1748091600-1748091600@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:GIST & Clinical Trials - LRG Canada
DESCRIPTION:REGISTER
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/clinical-trials-lrg-canada/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events,Webcast
ORGANIZER;CN="GIST Sarcoma Life Raft Group Canada":MAILTO:yvonne.nunnaro@liferaftgroup.ca
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240522T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240522T110000
DTSTAMP:20260610T055901
CREATED:20240422T181945Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240423T174622Z
UID:10000772-1716375600-1716375600@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:Demystifying Clinical Trials
DESCRIPTION:Insights from Experts and Participants\nJoin us May 22nd at 11am ET for an informative webinar presented by Dr. Candace Haddox of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute offering invaluable insights into the world of clinical trials in honor of International Clinical Trials Awareness Day. Dr. Haddox will delve into the fundamentals of clinical trials\, discussing their significance\, weighing the pros and cons of participation\, and guiding attendees through the entire process\, from initiation to conclusion. Following Dr. Haddox’s presentation\, there will be an interactive discussion with GISTer Kandee Evans\, currently enrolled in a clinical trial\, offering firsthand experiences and perspectives. A Q&A session will follow the presentation. \nPlease email srothschild@liferaftgroup.org to submit a question ahead of the presentation.  \n\n\n\nPlease note that this webinar is not a substitute for your physician’s guidance and care.\nREGISTERAbout Our Presenters\n \nDr. Candace Haddox \nDana-Farber Cancer Institute \nDr. 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). \nDr. 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. \n \nKandee Evans \nGIST Advocate \nWith a career spanning over three decades\, Kandee Evans is a project management veteran who knows how to make things happen. After dedicating 30 years to her profession\, Kandee recently left her job to focus on her health as a GIST survivor and warrior. Not one to back down from a challenge\, she previously advocated fiercely for her oldest son when he was diagnosed with autism at just two years old. Now\, as a devoted wife and mother of two amazing sons\, Kandee continues to take on each day with grace\, courage\, and determination. \nAt the forefront of GIST research\, Kandee is making a difference through participation. She enrolled in a clinical trial with the University of Miami in February 2024\, she is helping test the effects of IDRX-42 under the direction of Dr. Jonathan Trent.  Her selfless commitment will provide key insights and move science one step closer to finding a treatment for this devastating disease. Kandee’s courage underscores the power of individuals to advance medical progress through clinical trial involvement. \nThank you to our Webinar Sponsors!
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/demystifying-clinical-trials-insights-from-experts-and-participants/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events,Webcast
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240411T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240411T120000
DTSTAMP:20260610T055901
CREATED:20240313T180524Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240403T190917Z
UID:10000770-1712836800-1712836800@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:Gaining Insight on the INSIGHT Phase 3 Study
DESCRIPTION:The Life Raft Group is partnering with Dr. Neeta Somaiah of MD Anderson Cancer Center to host "Gaining Insight on the Phase 3 INSIGHT Clinical Trial" for the GIST community on April 11th\, 2024 from 12-1:15 pm ET. During the webinar\, Dr. Somaiah will present an overview of Deciphera Pharmaceutical's Phase 3 INSIGHT Clinical Trial. This study tests the investigational use of ripretinib in a subset of patients living with GIST. Webinar participants will learn about the INSIGHT study\, including eligibility\, site locations\, and study rationale. A Q & A session will follow the presentation.    \nPlease email srothschild@liferaftgroup.org to submit a question ahead of the presentation.  \n\n\n\n\nPlease note that this webinar is not a substitute for your physician's guidance and care.\nREGISTERAbout Our Presenter\nNeeta Somaiah\, MD\nMD Anderson Cancer Center \nDr. Neeta Somaiah received her medical degree from Maulana Azad Medical College in New Delhi\, India and has trained at St. John’s Episcopal in New York\, Drexel University Hospital and Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia\, prior to joining MD Anderson Cancer Center.  \nDr. Somaiah joined MD Anderson Cancer Center in 2012.  She has thirteen years of sarcoma and clinical research experience. She is board certified in Medical Oncology.  Her primary clinical and research focus is soft tissue sarcomas\, specifically liposarcomas and GIST.  She currently serves as the Principal Investigator of three investigator-initiated trials and nine cooperative group and industry-sponsored clinical trials at MD Anderson Cancer Center and has in depth knowledge with extensive experience in the design and execution of clinical trials. She also has multiple ongoing collaborations for translational research\, both retrospective and prospective\, that help improve the understanding of these rare group of diseases and explore the role of immunotherapy as a therapeutic avenue.  Dr. Somaiah has been presented many honors for her expertise and contributions to science\, including an Exceptional Women in Medicine award and is among the top 1% providers nationally.   \nThank you to our Webinar Sponsor!
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/gaining-insight-on-the-insight-phase-3-study/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events,Webcast
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230730T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230730T170000
DTSTAMP:20260610T055901
CREATED:20230725T162102Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230725T165832Z
UID:10000570-1690729200-1690736400@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:Understanding GIST Mutations & Clinical Trials Update
DESCRIPTION:In this session of Let’s Get the GIST of It\, we will be reviewing GIST mutations and sharing the current updates on GIST Clinical Trials. The event will be interactive\, so attendees are encouraged to ask questions and participate. Patients and caregivers are invited to attend. \nThe session will be hosted by Sahibjeet Parmar\, Director of Data Management & Research at The Life Raft Group. \nREGISTERAbout Our Presenter:\nSahibjeet Parmar\nDirector\, Data Management & Research \nIn her role as the Director of Data Management & Research\, Sahibjeet is responsible for a team of data management and research associates and data analysts in their day-to-day support of LRG patients and data science. \nAs the point person of The Life Raft Group’s GIST Patient Registry and GIST Collaborative Tissue Bank\, Sahibjeet oversees the operations of these platforms including direct patient contact including outreach\, medical updates\, email community support\, patient education\, biospecimen handling and research collaborations.
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/understanding-gist-mutations/
CATEGORIES:Events,Webcast
ORGANIZER;CN="Denisse Evans":MAILTO:devans@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20210812T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20210812T120000
DTSTAMP:20260610T055901
CREATED:20210720T175722Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210721T142417Z
UID:10000168-1628769600-1628769600@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:What GISTers Need to Know About Clinical Trials
DESCRIPTION:Clinical Trials 101\, a GISTory of Clinical Trials\, & How to Talk to Your Medical Team about Clinical Trials\nClinical trials are an essential tool of modern medicine. We have heard a lot about clinical trials of COVID-19 vaccines and therapies during the pandemic\, and most GISTers are aware that clinical trials established the effectiveness of drugs like imatinib. However\, beyond the headlines there’s a lot to consider when evaluating a clinical trial – especially if you are considering enrolling in one. Who designed the trial? Who approved it? Who is paying for it? Who decides which patients will be enrolled? How will the results be evaluated? And what’s the relationship between clinical trials and “real world evidence”? \nPlease join LRG Science Team members Jim Hughes and David Josephy for an informative presentation on the topic of clinical trials. \nREGISTERAbout the Presenters:\n\nDr. David Josephy \n\nDavid Josephy\, PhD.\nPresident of Life Raft Group Canada\nDavid Josephy was a Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Guelph in Ontario\, Canada\, until his recent retirement. He authored a textbook titled\, “Molecular Toxicology”\, and has written more than 100 scientific publications in biochemistry\, toxicology\, and cancer research.\n\nJim Hughes \nJim Hughes\nLife Raft Group Clinical Trials Coordinator\nJim Hughes attended Kenyon College and Loyola University\, Chicago where he earned a BA in Philosophy. Between schools Jim served three years as an enlisted man and officer in the United States Army in the US and Vietnam. Jim retired from the telecommunications industry after a 35-year career including positions in engineering\, long-range planning\, and marketing. Jim and Margi are the parents of two children Nancy and Jamie. Nancy Hughes Welsh (1967-2005) was an early member of The Life Raft Group (2002). Nancy was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma in 1991 at age 23. After ten years of surgery and chemotherapy Nancy was re-diagnosed with GIST in 2001. Nancy participated in the Phase Three imatinib trial in 2001 and the Phase Two sunitinib trial in 2003. Jim and Margi continue to facilitate the LRG Chicago chapter meetings. Jim serves on the Board of the LRG and is a member of the LRG Science Team.
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/what-gisters-need-to-know-about-clinical-trials/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR