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.
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
Support From The Heart – Caregiver Suzy Burke
My name is Suzy Hetherton Burke, I’m 66 years old and happily retired! I grew up in New Jersey, graduated from Rosemont College in PA and moved to NYC after graduation. Charlie and I met, [...]
10 Things That Happen When You’re Diagnosed With Cancer
Cancer. We all know someone who has it or we know someone who knows someone who has it. Either way, it’s a subject that is kind of taboo. Firstly, the majority of the population think when they first hear the big C-word is that you’re going to be bald, you only get cancer when you’re old and you probably (hopefully not) will die.
Cancerversary – Ed Cohen 9 YEARS
“My GIST tumor was removed by a skilled surgeon nine years ago this coming Father’s Day, giving me the present of continued life. Shortly after the surgery my wife and I found the Life [...]
In Memoriam – Ian Rahimi, Beloved Son and Brother
I met Ian Rahimi today. I knew that going to his funeral would give me an opportunity to pay my respects to Ian and his family and to mourn his passing. I knew that [...]
Cancerversary – Chuck Korte
Cancerversary - 19 YEARS Chuck Korte “It is a blessing to be alive; we can give thanks by being a blessing to others” If you have a Cancerversary, let us know. Contact us at liferaft@liferaftgroup.org and we [...]
Our “Silent Song”
My husband Brian, and I have been married 33 years and have worked together in an 8 x 10 room. Brian has literally been by my side since marriage. When I was diagnosed with Wildtype GIST, we knew this was a journey we’d be taking on together.
