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
Patient of the Month for May: James
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! James shares his story.
LRG Virtual Tumor Board Benefits Multiple Patients Globally
The first LRG Virtual Tumor Review Board for 2022 was held in April. There were four cases presented from all over the world, emphasizing the importance of virtual reviews.
GIST Day of Learning – GDOL Washington, DC 2022
The Life Raft Group held a virtual GIST Day of Learning (GDOL) in Washington, DC on April 27th, 2022. Top GIST specialists presented the latest on research and treatment options and provided a comprehensive review of the science behind GIST.
Genetics and Genomics Testing – An ECPC E-module
The European Cancer Patient Coalition (ECPC) has published an e-module on Genetics and Genomics Testing in English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish.
Preview of ASCO 2022 GIST Abstracts & Presentations
ASCO’s Annual Meeting will feature GIST in 18 abstracts, posters, panels, and presentations. Here is a preview of the topics that will be presented at the conference in June.
Highlight of the “Rare Cancers: Great Unmet Medical Needs” Conference
One highlight of the "Rare Cancers: Great Unmet Medical Needs" CME Conference, hosted by Columbia University Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center and co-sponsored by the Jed Ian Taxel Foundation for Rare Cancer Research, was a presentation on sarcomas by Dr. Gary K. Schwartz, member of the LRG Medical Advisory Board.
GIST Do It Walk NJ 2022 Gallery
Verona Park, Verona, NJ was the site of the third GIST Do It Walk NJ on April 9th. Patients, caregivers, family, friends and LRG staff gathered and walked to support #GISTresearch.
Thank You to Our Newest GEMs!
Our GEM Donor Program has a group of new donors that will help the LRG continue the work we do with patients and #GISTresearch. Our thanks go out to our newest GEMs!
GLOBAL PARTNERS & AFFILIATIONS
