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
Who’s laughing now? Actress Mo Collins uses humor in her battle with GIST
Mo Collins is not your typical actress/comedienne, because Mo Collins is a GIST survivor. Keep reading to learn more about Mo Collins and her fight against GIST. Mo is using this gift in a very selfless way by organizing a comedy fundraiser for the Life Raft Group and GIST research.
Stivarga becomes first FDA-approved third-line drug treatment for GIST
The Food and Drug Administration, in a much-anticipated announcement for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor patients, approved Bayer Pharmaceutical’s drug, Stivarga, for use as a third-line treatment for advanced GIST in February.
Family planning with GIST can be a hard decision
Family planning can be one of the hardest decisions patients with GIST make, but for Carolina Ponce Williams the decision was easy. At high risk for progression, Carolina longed to start a family. So she decided to adopt.
Pediatric GIST Patient Welcomes Baby Boy!
Pediatric GIST patient Jason DeLorenzo welcomes a baby boy! Jill and Jason welcomed their firstborn son and first child, Simon Joseph. He was born at 6:58am on 3/24/13. 6 lbs. 11oz. 20 inches long. Simon is a wide-eyed, very attentive and curious baby.
How to make the most of LRG website
The Life Raft Group has launched a new website. If you have not already, be sure to visit the new site at liferaftgroup.org for up-to-date news and information about GIST Cancer.
Pioneer Dan Vasella Gave the Gift of Time
Dan Vaella was instrumental in getting Gleevec to market. After 25 years at Novartis and Sandoz, he has chosen to step down as Chairman.
Distribution by State of U.S. GIST Patients in LRG Patient Registry
We have put together a map showing the distribution of GIST patients in the U.S. who are living with GIST in the LRG Patient Registry by state. The map shows how geographically diverse the Patient Registry is, with patients spread throughout the country.
LRG advocates for cancer funding in New Jersey
The LRG is continually involved in advocacy efforts to increase government spending on cancer research. We have joined forces with other cancer [...]
Keep up with the latest news, events, and opportunities to help.
To contact The Life Raft Group, please call 973-837-9092
PARTNERS & AFFILIATIONS
