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.
Update your Patient Registry Info.
Join The Life Raft Group.
Current GIST Clinical Trials.
Search the GIST Specialist Database.
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 July: Robert Cabion
Each member has a unique story, but all reflect the intrinsic courage of one facing the challenge of GIST. Robert Cabion shares his story.
It’s Time: The Life Raft Group Biomarker Testing Campaign – It’s Time to Save Lives!
Biomarker testing is an opportunity to improve and optimize treatment. In this post, GISTer Bill Borwegen shares his story and we share how you can help save lives.
The Eyes Don’t See What the Mind Doesn’t Know – GIST Education in México
Rodrigo Salas & Berenice Carbajal-López of Fundación GIST México illustrate how this organization is working to spread GIST awareness and education.
Spotlight on LRG Global Representatives – Nandini Dabbir, India
The newest GISTer to join the ranks of LRG Global Representatives is Nandini Dabbir of Hyderabad, India. She is a the Friends of Max City Chapter Leader & GIST Advocate working with the LRG to support GIST patients on their journey.
Rare Diagnosis Fosters a Passion for Biomarker Testing & Self-Advocacy
GISTer Bill Borwegan shares his inspiring GIST journey illustrating the importance of biomarker/ mutational testing and self-advocacy as a rare disease patient.
It’s Time: The Life Raft Group Biomarker Testing Campaign – Identify Subsets & Clinical Trials
Identifying rare subsets of GIST and starting new clinical trials is critical. Read here about one researcher's clinical trial progress.
Caregiver of the Month for June: Sherry Codner
Each member has a unique story, but all reflect the intrinsic courage of one facing the challenge of GIST. Sherry Codner shares her story.
It’s Time: The Life Raft Group Biomarker Testing Campaign – Standard of Care
If you know your mutation, you have a better chance of getting the most effective treatment more quickly, and increasing your survival time. Making biomarker testing a standard of care will ensure that patients & medical professionals are fully informed so that treatment will be more effective.
Keep up with the latest news, events, and opportunities to help.
To contact The Life Raft Group, please call 973-837-9092
PARTNERS & AFFILIATIONS
