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
It’s Time to Tell The Stories: Our Good News – Giving Tuesday All Year Long
Our Good News Holiday Campaign is the culmination of our year of "Time to Tell the Stories 2022." Giving Tuesday All Year Long!
It’s Time to Tell The Stories: Our Good News – Support
Our Good News Holiday Campaign is the culmination of our year of "Time to Tell the Stories 2022." We're celebrating Support Services this week.
It’s Time to Tell The Stories: Our Good News – Diana
Our Good News Holiday Campaign is the culmination of our year of "Time to Tell the Stories 2022." In this series, we celebrate the connections, the celebrations, the events and milestones that we’ve been privileged to be a part of this year. Diana Nieves shares about Support Services.
Our Latest Publication Focused on Mutational Testing
The LRG published "Barriers to mutational testing in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) – a survey of Life Raft Group members" in BMC Gastroenterology, November 2022.
From Major Surgery to Metastases – Paul Mexcur’s Story
GISTer Paul Mexcur shares his story as a part of our Time to Tell the Stories 2022 campaign and shares an original poem as well.
A Unique Perspective by a Physician Who is a GISTer
Submitted by Dr. Indra Lovko, GISTer & LRG contributor Hello my fellow GI Stromal Tumor patients and caregivers! I was asked [...]
Preparing for Flu Season 2022
Autumn has arrived, and with it comes the onset of Flu Season. Flu is a difficult illness for everyone, but for cancer patients, it can be devastating.
Patient of the Month for October: Phil Honsey
Each member has a unique story, but all reflect the intrinsic courage of one facing the challenge of GIST. It's Time to Tell the Stories! Phil Honsey shares his story.
GLOBAL PARTNERS & AFFILIATIONS
