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.
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.
Dr. Monica Anderson
Diagnosed in 2012 with Adult GIST.
Marc Wasserman
Diagnosed in 2006 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.
The LRG turns 10!
The Life Raft Group turns Ten Years Old. This image gives us a glimpse at just a few of the favorite memories from over the years!
The LRG Says Goodbye to Tricia McAleer
Trish was recruited by Norman Scherzer to be an Administrative Assistant, just a handful of months following LRG’s incorporation in 2002. Over the years, she graduated from college, held several titles, and wore many ‘hats’. Trish has seen this group expand its reach far beyond the states, spreading our mission into over 50 countries.
Alianza GIST’s first webinar a success
Alianza GIST thanks all those who participated in the online seminar in Spanish, “Comprendiendo Los Tumores Del Estroma Gastro Intestinal (GIST) Desde Lo Basico A La Clinica,” presented by Dr. Matías Chacón of the Instituto Alexander Fleming de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Alianza GIST launches new website!
Alianza GIST also launched a new social networking community where GIST patients and caregivers can login to the Comunidad de Alianza GIST and chat with each other about relevant topics related to their cancer. There is also functionality where each country organization has a “Group” set up where they can communicate internally with their members. At the moment, this comunidad site is only available in Spanish.
Guidelines Proposed for Pediatric GIST
GIST is a disease with a number of subtypes, and is beginning to be increasingly viewed as a “family of diseases”. One particular form of the disease is commonly known as “Pediatric GIST” - in this form the mutation occurs when the patient is either a child or young adult (but may not be discovered until later).
Spunky Texan fought GIST bravely
Betty Hayes Arnett went to be with our Lord and Savior Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2012 at age 64, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born Aug. 23, 1947 to Ruel and Mattie Hayes in Corsicana, Calif. She was a beloved mother, grandmother and wife. She was a longtime member of Missionary Baptist Church of Corsicana.
Arizona GISTers meet!
We all shared our experiences, treatments, discoveries and generally got to know each other. There was a special camaraderie that was established once we met face-to-face.
Thomas G. Overley, 1952-2012: Toledo lawyer played guitar, sang in group
Thomas G. Overley, a lawyer and guitarist who developed a niche practice of manufactured home law and played in local rock bands, died Wednesday, March 14 in his Ottawa Hills home. He was 59.
GLOBAL PARTNERS
