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
An Exceptional Volunteer & Friend of the LRG: Chelsea Madia
Chelsea Madia has been an extraordinary volunteer and fundraiser for the LRG! We appreciate all she has done.
A Positive Spin for 2022 – Jimit Mody’s GIST Journey
Jimit Mody shares his GIST journey and how a positive attitude and determination keeps him going.
New Horizons – Long-term GIST Survivor Story
Chuck Korte presented his story as Long-term GIST Survivor at New Horizons 2021.
Patient of the Month for November: Americo Blancato
Each member has a unique story, but all reflect the intrinsic courage of one facing the challenge of GIST. Americo Blancato shares his story.
Thriving & Challenging Yourself While Living with GIST, Elyse, Part 1
GIST patients face many obstacles and challenges to get to a place where they’d say they were thriving. Physical challenges from surgeries, pain and side effects can severely change the lifestyle and activities they enjoyed before GIST. Elsye Walker and Stijn Belmans, faced those changes and decided they wouldn’t accept an altered version of life.
Thriving & Challenging Yourself While Living with GIST, Stijn, Part 2
GIST patients face many obstacles and challenges to get to a place where they’d say they were thriving. Physical challenges from surgeries, pain and side effects can severely change the lifestyle and activities they enjoyed before GIST. Elsye Walker and Stijn Belmans, faced those changes and decided they wouldn’t accept an altered version of life.