Our members embody the meaning of courage, which according to the Merriam Webster dictionary is “The mental or moral strength to venture, persevere and withstand danger, fear or difficulty.”
Each member story is unique, but all reflect the intrinsic courage of those who face the challenges of cancer head on, with dignity, strength and passion for life.
Take a moment to listen to their voices.
Be amazed by what real courage looks like.
Dr. Monica Anderson
Diagnosed in 2012 with Adult GIST.
Marc Wasserman
Diagnosed in 2006 with Adult GIST.
Bella Rocco
Diagnosed in 2009 with Pediatric
(SDH-Deficient) GIST.
Member Stories are below.
If you would like to contribute your story, or, that of a loved one, please email us today. Feel free to include any images you would like us to use!
Also visit our In Memoriam section and our In Memoriam website to light a candle for love ones that have passed.
Member Stories
Patient of the Month – February 2023: Randy Heiman
Each member has a unique story, but all reflect the intrinsic courage of one facing the challenge of GIST. Randy Heiman shares his story. #thrivingtogether
Caregiver of the Month – January 2023: Andrea Mantilla
Each member has a unique story, but all reflect the intrinsic courage of one facing the challenge of GIST. Andrea Mantilla shares her story. #thrivingtogether
GIST Advocate & Board Member Dr. mOe Anderson Shares Her Vision About Her TEDTalk Opportunity
GIST Advocate & Board Member Dr. mOe Anderson shares how she set her intentions on a vision board to give a TEDTalk and this happened for her in January 2023. #thrivingtogether
#ThrivingTogether
Our theme for this year is Thriving Together and we are going to illustrate that concept throughout the year by sharing the celebrations, triumphs, and milestones that our community is experiencing while living with GIST.
From Major Surgery to Metastases – Paul Mexcur’s Story
GISTer Paul Mexcur shares his story as a part of our Time to Tell the Stories 2022 campaign and shares an original poem as well.
A Unique Perspective by a Physician Who is a GISTer
Submitted by Dr. Indra Lovko, GISTer & LRG contributor Hello my fellow GI Stromal Tumor patients and caregivers! I was asked by the Life Raft Group staff to write about what it has been [...]
