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.
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
A Conversation with Dr. Jason Sicklick
In this interview with researcher & surgical oncologist Dr. Jason Sicklick shares about his passion for SDH-deficient GIST research.
CTOS Sheds New Light on #GISTResearch
CTOS is an international group comprised of physicians and scientists with a primary interest in the tumors of connective tissues. The goal of the society is to advance the care of patients with connective tissue tumors.
Night to Fight Cancer Is Officially Back in New York City!
After three long years, the Annual Night to Fight Cancer benefiting the LRG's research programs, hosted by Jerry Cudzil and Matthew Knopman, took place in-person on October 20th, 2022 at Midtown Loft and Terrace in New York City.
GDOL GIST Days of Learning: Opportunities to Grow
Our most recent GIST Days of Learning (GDOLs) were in-person again! Deputy Director, Laura Occhiuzzi and Senior Director of Outreach & Engagement Diana Nieves traveled to San Diego and Miami to meet with GIST experts and members of our community.
A Conversation with Patient Advocate Sarah McGoram
Sarah McGoram is a long-term survivor & passionate patient advocate for GIST patients in Australia.
A Thank You to So Cal Leader Dina Wiley
GISTer Dina Wiley embodies all the best qualities of a patient advocate and as she retires from her volunteer work with us, we thank her for all she has done for the GIST community.
Water of Life Fall Event
The Life Raft Group & Dr. Matthew Lurin hosted the 5th Water of Life Fall Event, the WOLF. This annual "Once in a Lifetime" event is a gathering of several philanthropic whisky enthusiasts, as well as some of the greatest brands.
Thrive with More Support!
The LRG offers many options for support. Manned by our volunteers, we have an private, online discussion forum, two private Facebook discussion groups, a mentor program, and regularly scheduled online support group meetings for patients and caregivers.
GLOBAL PARTNERS & AFFILIATIONS
