The Life Raft Group is committed to enhancing the survival and quality of life for people living with Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST), and other rare diseases, through patient-powered research, education and empowerment, and global advocacy efforts.
Other Programs Supported by The Life Raft Group:
PATIENT
Leverage patient perspective to drive innovative solutions in cancer research.
POWERED
Educate and empower patients to take a larger role in their care.
SCIENCE
Accelerate research outcomes through collaborative efforts.
FOR LIFE
Increase access to effective treatments worldwide.
Real World Evidence In Action
Traditional models for cancer research have resulted in many breakthrough treatments for patients, but it is not enough. The LRG’s approach to GIST research through real world evidence, relies on timely, accurate data from the patient’s perspective, with patient survival as the primary objective.
RECENT LRG DATA
Did you know that GIST is actually a family of cancers? Learn more about the science of GIST.
Update your Patient Registry Info.
Join The Life Raft Group.
Current GIST Clinical Trials.
Search the GIST Specialist Database.
Dr. Monica Anderson
Diagnosed in 2012 with Adult GIST.
Bella Rocco
Diagnosed in 2009 with Pediatric
(SDH-deficient) GIST.
HELP US SAVE LIVES
The Life Raft Group is a community and it is up to all of us to make a difference. There are many ways to help. We always need patient tissue and data in our GIST patient registry. Volunteering your time or making a monetary donation also helps us drive research forward and save lives.
News
Development loses Christine, but welcomes Lisa as new director
All of you who have been a part of The Life Raft Group for the past two years have had the pleasure of getting to know Christine Schaumburg.
Alianza GIST gets two new reps
As Latin American members meet this week, Alianza GIST has added two representatives, from Brazil and Puerto Rico. Valaria Hartt joins us from Brazil, while Eileen Rolon will represent Puerto Rico.
ASCO 2013 Preliminary Report
Here is an overview of what Jim Hughes, Pete Knox and Jerry Call learned at ASCO. There will be a more in depth article to come.
Breaking Research Barriers – Our Unique Team Searches for a Cure
Breaking Research Barriers! The Life Raft Group Research Team is unique. As we know, the purpose of research is to inform, educate and allow us to live better lives.
A Cure is Within Our Grasp
A Cure is Within Our Grasp! It is amazing what happens when you change what doesn't work - Our Life Raft Group Research Team is a great example of this
ETV1 inhibitor takes lead in combination approach to clinical trials
MSKCC is launching a clinical trial that uses a MEK inhibitor to target ETV1 in combination with imatinib on a small group of newly diagnosed GIST patients
Clinical Trials and the Search for Greater Efficiency
Clinical trials are a key step in the development and approval of new drugs to treat cancer and often a lifeline to patients seeking options when other treatments have failed.
GIST Patient Meets the Challenge of Motherhood
While there are many physical challenges that come with raising a child when you are living with GIST, Dana Pearson puts her energy into conquering the mental ones.
Keep up with the latest news, events, and opportunities to help.
To contact The Life Raft Group, please call 973-837-9092
PARTNERS & AFFILIATIONS
