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
LRG Staffer Presents at the 99th Virtual Patient Support Group
In March, Director of Data Mgmt and Research, Sahibjeet Kaur joined the GIST experts of AIIMS for the 99th Virtual Patient Support Group addressing patients from India.
LRG Executive Director Retires, New Executive Director Appointed
Executive Director & Founder Norman J. Scherzer announced his retirement today after 20+ years of leading the Life Raft Group; former VP of Program Services Sara Rothschild has been appointed to Executive Director position supported by Deputy Executive Director Laura Occhiuzzi, and our experienced LRG staff.
A Caregiver’s Insights on GIST Care – Erawati Bawle
Erawati Bawle shares her insights on her husband's journey with GIST and reflects on the quality of medical care he received and a clinician's responsibility for their patients with the hope that it will give others clarity for their journey.
New Members Appointed to LRG Board of Directors
The LRG welcomes three new members to its Board of Directors: Pat Bonda-Swenson, Santy DiSabatino and Bill Borwegen.
Caregiver of the Month for March: Thanatcha Cholpradit
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! Thanatcha Cholpradit shares her story.
We stand with Ukraine. We stand with cancer patients.
International access to cancer treatment can be challenging. Access to effective treatment in a time of war provides a an even more daunting challenge.
Rare Cancers: Great Unmet Medical Needs
Join medical professionals and the patient advocacy community on Tuesday, April 26, 2022 for a CME conference, “Rare Cancers: Great Unmet Medical Needs” hosted by Columbia University Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Jed Ian Taxel Foundation for Rare Cancer Research.
The LRG Welcomes New Leadership to Board of Directors
The Life Raft Group welcomes new leadership to the our Board of Directors.
GLOBAL PARTNERS & AFFILIATIONS
