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
Genetic Testing Recommended for SDHx Mutation Carriers
This study strongly recommends genetic testing and regular biochemical testing and clinical exams for SDHx mutation carriers.
It’s Time: The Life Raft Group Biomarker Testing Campaign – Educating Oncologists
It's #TimeToGetTested. Understanding the role of mutations and biomarker testing is one of most important things patients must learn. It's time to bring together educates physician's about the importance of biomarker testing.
Dae Shik Kang Walks to Spread Hope
South Korean GISTer Dae Shik Kang, 62 years old, walked 430km (267 miles) to share hope and courage. Today Dae is still spreading hope & staying healthy.
Patient of the Month for May: Pamela Trovato Nau
Each member has a unique story, but all reflect the intrinsic courage of one facing the challenge of GIST. Pamela Trovato Nau shares her story.
It’s Time: The Life Raft Group Biomarker Testing Campaign – The Physician Community Speaks
It's #TimeToGetTested. Understanding the role of mutations and biomarker testing is one of most important things patients must learn. It's time to bring together our physician community to raise their voices! In this post, we present out Biomarker Declaration for GIST pertaining to testing.
Kate Hammond Raises Funds for Mom’s “Life Raft”
GISTer Tara Hammond's daughter, Kate, ran a bake sale and a Facebook fundraiser to raise money for The Life Raft Group called "Bake Sale for GIST Cancer!"
It’s Time: The Life Raft Group Biomarker Testing Campaign – Empower Patients
As part of our 'It's Time' campaign, we are sharing Blueprint Medicines's tools for talking to your doctor about biomarker/mutational testing.
It’s Time: The Life Raft Group Biomarker Testing Campaign – Outcomes
If you know your mutation, you have a better chance of getting the most effective treatment more quickly, and increasing your survival time. Knowledge makes an empowered patient and an empowered patient asks and researches their disease.
GLOBAL PARTNERS & AFFILIATIONS
