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
LRG introduces GIST Day of Learning in Miami
The Life Raft Group is launching a new program called GIST Day of Learning. In response to the requests of previous attendees of [...]
Pfizer to open clinical trial for young patients with GIST
A new phase I/II clinical trial will soon be opening for pediatric and young adults with GIST. This trial will be testing Sutent (sunitinib), the currently approved second-line treatment for GIST, in young patients. At the current time, the optimal dose for Sutent is not known for pediatric patients. This trial will help assess the safety and tolerability of Sutent in young patients.
Texas GISTers meet!
An intimate group of GIST patients and supporters living in the area gathered to reconnect with and meet other GISTers and exchange each other’s experiences as well as the various technological and medical advancements and options available to them.
Deck the halls with boughs of jewelry!
The Life Raft Group is hosting an online shopping event in collaboration with our dedicated volunteer photographer Kim Tallau and Touchstone Crystals Jewelry (a member of the Swarovski Group). You can shop their online store from now until December 20 with 15 percent of all sales going towards helping the LRG achieve its goal of curing GIST and to helping those living with it until then.
Swiss GIST group’s film wins silver Edi in Zurich!
On November 3, 2011, the twelfth Edi film prize for the best advertising, industrial and corporate films was awarded in the Schiffbauhalle in Zurich. Our film, “Life with GIST” won a Silver Edi in the “Corporate: Internal Communication & Training” section.
GISTer’s legacy launches new support program
The Bill Buchanan Life Raft GIST Support Group held its first meeting on Saturday, October 22 at the John Stroger Hospital of Cook County located in Chicago. This program was mentored by the LRG and made possible by the wishes of the late Bill Buchanan.
New Jersey GISTers meet
We would like to thank all New Jersey GISTers who joined us on November 12 for the NJ Chapter meeting at the Life [...]
Surgery and Genotyping Studies Highlighted at ASCO Conference
One of the highlights of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) conference was the session “Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: Multimodal Approach.” George Demetri M.D. began the discussion with a review of the history and biology of GIST. Dr. Demetri reviewed the current status of GIST and brought up some new challenges ahead.
Keep up with the latest news, events, and opportunities to help.
To contact The Life Raft Group, please call 973-837-9092
PARTNERS & AFFILIATIONS
