Masitinib, other trials presented at ASCO
Two posters were presented by principal investigators in the Phase 2 and 3 trials of masitinib for the treatment of newly diagnosed GIST patients.
Lee Emerson – In Memoriam
It is with great sadness that another could not slay the dragon called GIST. Lee fought hard, he was calm and steady during the entire battle. He lived with the dragon since July of 2001. He was an athlete; lean and ready, with perseverance and endurance. He tried all the medicines plus radiation but could not hold it at bay.
Marek Szczesny – In Memoriam
Marek Szczesny passed away on October 25, 2010. Born on May 5, 1939 in Poland, Marek was an engineer and happily married man for more then 40 years. He was also the father of two sons, Krzysztof and Bartosz.
Member Story – Meghan Marre
Mary Marre says her daughter Meghan was diagnosed with GIST in the fall of 2002, just a few weeks before her 21st birthday. All through high school Meghan was anemic; she was also plagued with stomach problems. Each time a doctor would say it was heavy periods, ulcers, heartburn and the like … this to a child who outwardly seemed so healthy.
GIST Member Story – Peter Greenwood
For Peter Greenwood, a successful freelance illustrator, GIST is a burden and a tool. Like most GIST patients he feels the pressure of scans and occasional hopelessness. But despite all of this, Peter has found ways to use GIST to his advantage, to use it for inspiration by using his illustrations as tools to fight GIST
Member Story – Janice Gabriel
I traded in uniforms and business attire for comfort clothes. I could no longer keep pace with the meetings and travel commitments of my job. My travel now includes only visits to Dana-Farber and my time away from home is dictated by my energy level, nausea, diarrhea and heartburn. My appointments to get my hair done, a manicure, pedicure and facial have been replaced with appointments with my local oncologist for blood work, ultrasounds, etc., as well as counseling sessions.
GIST Member Story – Donnie Ray Chadrick Jr.
It all started shortly after my 36th birthday in February 2001. I was working for a small oil company as a tanker driver here in Medford, Ore. I began to develop severe pain in my lower right quadrant and lack of energy that I ignored until I could no longer justify not seeking medical attention.
Member’s BBQ raises funds and awareness in Virginia
Life Raft Group member Jason DeLorenzo held his annual “DeLoBQ” fundraiser last month in Alexandria, Virginia. The BBQ has raised almost $2,000 thus far, and donations are still coming! Jason explains the growing success of [...]
Times series underscores LRG research team’s approach
The first in a series of New York Times articles by science writer Gina Kolata on new approaches to cancer treatment underscored the type of cutting-edge approaches taken by the Life Raft Group’s own team of researchers. [...]
Agreement in Guatemala to benefit GIST patients
An agreement to secure the entry of Gleevec for Guatemalan GIST and chronic myeloid leukemia patients was reached with the Central American country’s government July 10, following advocacy efforts by Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Alianza GIST and [...]