Sara Rothschild, MPH, Executive Director
As Executive Director, Sara Rothschild brings 17 years of experience with the LRG and in-depth knowledge of the challenges faced in healthcare, and broad experience working in the international community to The Life Raft Group.
Formerly as Vice President of Program Services, she has successfully facilitated the growth of The LRG to become the premier source of education and support for the international GIST community. Her priority has been the dissemination of health information and education through in-person and virtual events for patients and their families. She has organized and coordinated previous GIST Days of Learning, Life Fest, New Horizons GIST, and Salud con Datos meetings in different locations around the world.
Sara was part of the initial team that supported the start of the first National Institutes of Health (NIH) in-person clinic for Pediatric GIST patients. When challenged by decreased funding, she found a solution in virtual technology, helping to create the collaborative NIH/LRG Virtual Tumor Board, a vehicle that enables medical professionals worldwide to convene and discuss challenging cases in a virtual environment.
Recently, Sara convened a Pediatric & SDH-Deficient GIST Research Symposium with a distinguished faculty of global clinical experts from prestigious cancer centers. An outgrowth of the research symposium was the formation of the Pediatric & SDH-Deficient GIST Consortium with the aim of extending and sustaining current research efforts, and ultimately finding a cure for Pediatric & SDH-deficient GIST through global collaboration. The Consortium was recently recognized at the Biden Cancer Summit as an innovative solution to accelerate cancer research.
Sara has grown to be a globally respected patient advocacy leader and works well with a diverse network of stakeholders such as medical key opinion leaders, fellow patient advocates, pharmaceutical industry as well as government authorities. Passionate about working with the patient community, Sara is dedicated to supporting and educating patients about their health choices. She continually seeks and finds innovative strategies to help those living with a rare cancer find access to life-saving treatments.
Sara holds a Master’s Degree in Public Health from the University of Michigan, with a focus in Health Management and Policy. She went on to create evaluation modules for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to assess racial and ethnic approaches to community health on infant mortality intervention. In the Middle East, she performed a comparative analysis of health care rationing among Middle Eastern and European countries and its integration into health policy formation.
Laura Occhiuzzi, MPA, Deputy Executive Director
Laura brings over twenty-five years of healthcare and nonprofit experience to The Life Raft Group. A seasoned leader, her strength lies in implementing programs to facilitate learning and generate change as well as overseeing daily operations that support organizational goals. Her prior experience as a healthcare executive for a major children’s hospital helps Laura in designing and developing new initiatives, as well in developing strategic plans to expand the reach of the LRG.
In her former role as Senior Director, Laura successfully built capacity through outreach efforts. She worked closely with membership, state leaders, outside organizations and sponsors to assure that the major programs of The Life Raft Group provide quality education, advocacy and patient support. She successfully raised the LRG’s profile through her participation in numerous collaborations with other organizations and networking.
As Deputy Executive Director, Laura serves as a vital part of the Executive Management Team, representing the organization as spokesperson at key conferences, forming strategic alliances and helping to steer The Life Raft Group in new directions that will help support our mission.
A visionary leader, Laura has extensive experience in fiscal management, program development, volunteer recruitment, and people management. As a change maker, she excels at evaluating staff needs on a personal and department level and making strategic decisions that lead to success. Her leadership skills enhance the overall day-to-day management and administration of Life Raft Group initiatives and guide the staff in achieving organizational goals. Above all, her passion for the patients and caregivers inspires her every day in our mission to enhance the survival and quality of life for GIST patients.
Laura holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from Kean University.
Norman Scherzer - Executive Director Emeritus
As Founder and former Executive Director of The Life Raft Group (LRG), Norman leveraged his extensive experience in the healthcare sector, to promote the mission of the LRG to cure Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST). His distinguished career includes 25 years with the Center for Disease Control, Assistant Commissioner of Health in New York City, HIV/AIDS consultant to the Harvard Institute for International Development, and a bioterrorism and leprosy consultant. However, Norman is most proud of keeping his wife alive for over 22 years despite her cancer prognosis of six months to live in 1994.
In his new role as Executive Director Emeritus, Norman will step back from day-to-day operations to focus on his passion as ambassador and chronicler of the journey of the Life Raft Group.
Norman has taken urgency and collaboration, the prevailing theme of his public health career, and coupled it with passion to tackle the needs of cancer patients to help them not only survive but thrive. Under Norman’s direction The LRG has become the leader in funding and driving GIST research, including creating the world’s largest GIST patient registry and tissue bank. Keeping the needs of patients as the top priority when interacting with multiple stakeholders, he continually stresses the need to bring the patients’ voice into the research and drug development process. This has ultimately led to cutting-edge collaborative research projects including a novel bioinformatics research study with Columbia University Medical School/New York Presbyterian, The LRG Pediatric & SDH-Deficient Consortium, and an observational side effect study with the FDA. These real world collaborative efforts demonstrates Norman’s passion for “patient-powered science.”
Norman is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate from City College of New York.
He is affiliated with the American Public Health Association, the Watsonian Society, the Connective Tissue Oncology Society, ASCO and was inducted into the GIST Hall of Fame.
He has published multiple scholarly articles in peer-reviewed publications.
Denisse Evans, MS, Senior Director, Data Mgmt. & Research
Denisse has a wealth of experience in clinical evaluation projects including development of protocols, case report forms, informed consent, surveys, tissue repositories, and study initiation She is proficient in data management, preparing research for publication, drug development, clinical trial protocols, onco-pathological/genetical dissemination, and formulating research premises.
As the Senior Director of Data Management & Research, Denisse is the principal investigator for study protocol design and strategy of Patient Reported Outcomes (PRO). She has expertise in the analysis, reporting, and dissemination of PRO data and present scientific work. She leads a dedicated staff in both patient support and in the identification of data trends that may lead to actionable information that will help patients coping with Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor. In addition, she takes the lead in collaborative research initiatives, including maintaining relationships with potential partners, contributing ongoing data, and supporting hypothesis generation with the goal of increasing patient survival and advancing GIST research.
Denisse has presented on a national and global stage addressing various topics related to data management, market research, clinical trial protocols, patient reported outcomes and patient advocacy with a primary focus on rare cancers such as Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor. She has contributed and led several seminal studies published in peer-reviewed journals.
Denisse holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Rowan University, and a Master of Science Degree in Biomedical Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University
Antoinette Pauwels, MPH, Data Mgmt. & Research Manager
Toni brings a wealth of experience in public health issues to the Life Raft Group. Her knowledge of video production and social media brings additional value to the organization.
In her role as Research & Outreach Manager, Toni is a vital member of a team of patient monitoring coordinators and data analysts who provide day-to-day support of LRG patients. She participates in direct patient contact including outreach, medical updates, email community support and patient education, deploying her knowledge of medical information related to GIST, as well as in educating and reassuring patients and caregivers. Toni also supports the Development & Involvement team planning educational events and fundraising events for our community.
Prior to joining The Life Raft Group, Toni was finishing a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Arts and Sciences in Public Health from Rutgers University. Toni has served in multiple roles within the nonprofit and health arenas, teaching drowning prevention, serving as a pharmacy technician, and working in fundraising for cancer awareness. She worked as a Research Assistant while an undergraduate at Rutgers, for a study analyzing the drinking water. She served as a Video Intern, providing production services and social media content for Children and Screens, a research organization studying the impact of digital media on children.
Toni holds a Bachelor of Arts and Applied Sciences in Public Health from Rutgers University and a master’s in public health with a concentration in Epidemiology from NYU.
Egny Mendoza, BA, Communications Associate - Graphic Design
Egny Mendoza is a passionate and skilled graphic designer who contributes her expertise in branding, user experience, and social media development to The Life Raft Group’s Communications Team. A graduate of Montclair State University, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Visual Communication Design with a minor in Entrepreneurship.
With experience freelancing for a diverse range of clients, Egny brings a versatile design approach and a sharp eye for visual storytelling. She is fluent in both English and Spanish, enabling her to engage with diverse audiences and communicate ideas with clarity and impact. Her strengths include developing visually engaging layouts, infographics, and user interfaces that enhance usability and engagement across digital platforms.
Egny is deeply committed to advocacy and supporting the GIST community. Her work at The Life Raft Group is driven by a passion for creating clear, accessible, and empowering visual content. By leveraging her design skills, she plays a key role in helping those seeking information about The Life Raft Group connect with the support they need.
Robin Elia, Controller
Robin brings over thirty-five years’ experience in financial management, accounting and business management to The Life Raft Group.
Prior to coming to the LRG, she held increasingly responsible positions, overseeing complex financial infrastructures. She has served in various accountancy roles, including Assistant Tax Accountant, Senior Cost Accountant and General Accountant.
Her attention to detail and in-depth knowledge of administrative, financial, and accounting functions contributes to the efficient management of the LRG’s Finance Department. Possessing superior communication skills, she works effectively with all levels of personnel, assuring that vital financial functions are accurately reported, and timelines met.
Robin oversees both accounts payable and accounts receivable, and tracks donations, grants, corporate and pharma sponsorships and other income. She reconciles and pays monthly credit card bills.
She is proficient in identifying cost efficiencies and providing strategic solutions that result in substantial savings.
Responsible for payroll administration and timekeeping, she additionally administers health, life, 401K and other insurance coverages.
She prepares financial reports for the entire organization and manages the audit process with an outside accounting firm.
Robin studied Accounting at Rutgers University, Newark.
Tara Ruggiero, Program Coordinator
Tara Ruggiero is an experienced administrative professional with a strong background in client service, sales support, and community leadership. She brings over two decades of expertise in administrative coordination, CRM systems, customer service, and marketing support from roles at the Boy Scouts of America, Vertican Technologies, and Commercial Legal Software. Tara is skilled in client onboarding, training, and creating compelling marketing materials using. In addition to her professional experience, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership in the nonprofit sector, serving in multiple PTA executive roles where she successfully led large-scale fundraising efforts, managed vendor relations, and organized school-wide events.
Tara is currently serving as the Program Coordinator for the Liposarcoma Support Network (LSN), responsible for growing and raising awareness in the liposarcoma community. This includes welcome calls with new members, managing patient follow-up outreach, and helping individuals navigate their diagnosis. Patient engagement through newsletters, webinars, social media and peer support initiatives such as mentor programs and virtual support groups.
Allison Russo, BS, Senior Director, Management & Analytics
Allison brings a wealth of knowledge to her role as Senior Director at The Life Raft Group. Leveraging a strong research and analytical background, she leads the Department of Management and Analytics. In this role, she oversees the growth and administration of rare disease programs and manages a range of strategic initiatives and special projects across the organization.
Her organizational skills and capacity for analysis are utilized daily, as she contributes to projects involving strategic growth and management in the rare disease space. Allison works closely with the Executive Team and maintains ongoing contact with the Board of Directors, as well as with important contacts.
Mrs. Russo previously held positions in the world of Finance and Investments. As Assistant Vice President for major fund of hedge funds, she researched hedge funds, performed due diligence and formulated in-depth analysis on all hedge fund investments. She maintained ongoing communication and conducted meetings with clients and investors in order to monitor and convey recommendations to all interested parties.
Allison holds a B.S. in Business Administration with a major in Management Information Systems from the University of Arizona, Eller College of Business, Tucson, AZ.
Carol Tordella, BA, Senior Director, Marketing & Communications
As Senior Director of Marketing & Communications at The Life Raft Group, Carol Tordella brings heart and strategy together to serve the GIST and rare cancer community. She leads the charge in making sure that patients, caregivers, researchers, and advocates stay informed, connected, and inspired—whether through educational resources, compelling storytelling, or creative campaigns that amplify the patient voice.
Carol works closely with every team at LRG to ensure that communications reflect the organization’s core mission and meet the real needs of the people we serve. She’s a thoughtful listener and a skilled interviewer who helps patients and caregivers share their stories in ways that are both deeply personal and powerfully impactful. These stories shape awareness efforts, influence clinical research conversations, and remind the world why every patient matters.
With a background that bridges the nonprofit and creative sectors, Carol has led marketing and design efforts for organizations ranging from a therapeutic farm to a major book publisher. Her approach combines sharp editorial instincts with a visual storyteller’s eye, and her work is grounded in a belief that good communication is a form of care.She holds a B.A. in Writing & Literature from Burlington College, with additional studies in illustration and design at the School of Visual Arts and Moore College of Art.
Brian Morello, BS, Director of Development
Brian Morello, our Director of Development, brings over two decades of experience in relationship building, event management, project leadership, and program development. Brian has a proven track record of driving mission-focused initiatives and fostering significant organizational growth.
As a family co-founder of Family Reach, a national cancer support foundation, he was pivotal in expanding its grassroots operations, increasing annual contributions from $100K to $10M, and partnering with over 500 hospitals. At Family Reach in both volunteer and full-time roles, Brian led annual fundraising events that raised several million dollars over the span of 20 years. He also was instrumental in developing a collaborative online community to enhance partner relations. In his most recent role at ConnectiveRx, Brian managed pharmaceutical client programs, ensuring efficient resource allocation & client satisfaction.
As the Director of Development at the LRG, Brian leads a department responsible for donor engagement and cultivation, and the management of all fundraising events, campaigns and initiatives. Brian also oversees the coordination and management of several of the organization’s annual educational programs & conferences. Additionally, Brian handles the oversight of the LRG’s Mentor Program, a program providing social and emotional support to patients and caregivers as they navigate their journey with GIST.
Brian’s early career includes significant contributions in account management, client services and business development in the marketing, advertising, and multimedia production industries. His volunteer work with Eva’s Village, Meals on Wheels, and The Chapel underscores his dedication to community service. Brian also is Co-Chairperson of the Oakland Team Tennis adult tennis league. Brian holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Economics from Rutgers University.
Brianna Enciso, BS, Development & Operations Manager
Brianna Enciso is a driven and enthusiastic professional with a strong background in business administration and marketing. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, concentrating in Marketing, from Montclair State University. Brianna brings a solid foundation of knowledge and skills to her professional endeavors.
During her academic journey, Brianna engaged in a variety of coursework that equipped her with a diverse skill set. From mastering elements of business and international business to honing her analytical skills through spreadsheet modeling, she demonstrated a commitment to excellence in her studies. As part of a culminating project, she collaborated with her peers to develop strategies that improved the productivity and brand image of an international business, showcasing her ability to think critically and contribute to real-world solutions.
With a heart for caregiving, Brianna has experience with roles in the healthcare industry. As a Home Health Coordinator at Cedar Crest, she efficiently managed resident files, scheduled patients, and facilitated communication with doctors, ensuring the smooth operation of vital healthcare services. Her attention to detail and commitment to providing excellent care were further exemplified during her tenure as a Nurse Practitioner Assistant. In this role, Brianna demonstrated her ability to multitask effectively by managing patient information, conducting COVID-19 tests, and ensuring compliance with HIPAA guidelines. Her compassionate approach and dedication to patient care left a lasting impact on both employees and residents.
Brianna’s commitment to making a difference extends beyond her professional endeavors. She has been recognized for her academic achievements, earning a place on the Dean’s List at Montclair State University in both the fall and spring semesters of 2020. Her bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish, coupled with her people-oriented nature and leadership skills, allows her to connect with diverse audiences and foster meaningful relationships.
Now, Brianna is excited to embark on a new challenge as an Development & Operations Manager. In this role, she will leverage her skills and experience to assist with donor cultivation, engage corporate sponsors, manage event logistics, and coordinate fundraising appeals. Her ability to connect with others, coupled with her fundraising experience and community engagement skills, positions her as a valuable asset to the organization.
Carolyn Dewalt, MS, Advocacy & Engagement Specialist
Carolyn Dewalt is a retired elementary school administrator with a BS in Speech Pathology and Audiology from the University of Virginia, MS in Special education from Lenore Rhyne University, School Administration Certification from Winthrop University. She is a GIST Mentor who was a part of the original GIST Mentor Team, a member for the GIST Community Council for Deciphera, and a member of Research Advocacy Council for the Sarcoma Alliance for Research through Collaboration (SARC).
Carolyn brings her personal experience with GIST into this vital volunteer work with new LRG members, GIST mentees, and speaking engagements at GIST Days of Learning and Life Fest.
As a pivotal member of our team, her role involves extending a warm welcome to new members, ensuring a supportive, empowering experience. Her knack for fostering a sense of community is instrumental in making new members feel valued and integrated into our GIST community.
In addition to her welcoming responsibilities, she plays a key role in coordinating clinical trial awareness initiatives. Her efforts contribute to promoting understanding and engagement in ongoing clinical trials within the organization. Through effective communication and coordination, she helps raise awareness, fostering a culture of participation and support for these vital research endeavors.
Consultants
Piga Fernández, Global Relations Consultant
Piga brings over twenty years of experience in the world of sarcoma/GIST. A GIST patient who was diagnosed incorrectly in 1995 with leiomyosarcoma, she understands the importance of correct diagnosis and access to treatment.
Located in Santiago, Chile, Piga has been a Global Relations Consultant for The Life Raft Group since 2009.
In 2001, she founded and is the Executive Director of Fundación GIST Chile, a nonprofit organization dedicated to support GIST and other gastrointestinal patients through education, information, emotional support and advocacy, with the goal of having them experience a better quality of life.
Additionally, she is the Coordinator of Alianza GIST, a consortium of GIST groups in Latin America.
She plays an integral role in working with our international patients, to assure they receive the quality of care necessary to survive and thrive.
Her advocacy efforts in Chile have led to important changes in her country, impacting both legislative change and raising awareness for rare diseases.
Natalie Power, Advocacy & Engagement Specialist
Rebecca Pauley, BA, Program Director
Rebecca Pauley serves as the Program Director for The Life Raft Group, where she plays a key role in advancing the organization’s mission through program development, strategic planning, grant writing and reporting, and social media communications. With over eight years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Rebecca brings a deep understanding of organizational growth, stakeholder engagement, and mission-driven impact.
At The Life Raft Group, Rebecca oversees a diverse portfolio of initiatives, working closely with staff, partners, and the patient community to design and implement high-impact programs. She is instrumental in securing and managing funding to support innovative research, patient services, and advocacy efforts. In addition to her programmatic and strategic responsibilities, she works closely with the communications team on social media strategy and outreach.
She is passionate about empowering patient communities and driving change through collaboration, communication, and compassion.
Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Rutgers University.
Becky Owens, BS, Registry Consultant
Becky holds a BS degree in Physical Therapy from West Virginia University, followed by a career specializing in orthopedics, sports medicine, and vestibular rehabilitation.
She was diagnosed GIST in 2001. Her life was transformed, and she retired from physical therapy in 2004 when she learned of her first recurrence. As the science of the disease evolved, she learned that an SDH gene mutation was the driver for her GIST. Since that time, she’s been involved in various organizations and support groups helping other SDH-deficient GIST patients to overcome the feeling of isolation often felt by those with a rare disease. She has proactively coordinated the shipment of frozen SDH tumor tissue to researchers for growth of cell lines to accelerate the pace of reagent testing for pre-clinical studies to help find treatments.
For Becky, SDH-deficient GIST runs in the family. She is passionate about contributing positively to SDH research and advocacy.
Her interests include dogs, scuba diving, and just being grateful for every day.
Jerry Call, Data Analyst
After working as a Science Coordinator, Science Director and Data Analysis for The Life Raft Group (LRG), spanning a period of 20 years, Jerry Call retired in 2021. However, Jerry still does significant consulting/Data Analysis for the LRG.
Like many patient advocates, Jerry became involved with advocacy when a family member, his wife, Stephanie, was diagnosed with metastatic cancer (Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors aka GIST) in 1999. As GIST evolved to become the paradigm for treating solid tumors with targeted therapy, Jerry’s skills evolved with it. Today, Jerry’s skills include database design and management, data extraction, manipulation and analysis including statistical analysis using the popular open-source R programming language. Jerry is also an accomplished author with eight peer-reviewed articles in medical journals and over 50 other articles, posters and presentation written for media such as the LRG newsletter, LRG website, LRG Science and medical/educational conferences.
