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:
Real World Evidence In Action
Traditional models for cancer research have resulted in many breakthrough treatments for patients, but it is not enough. The LRGβs approach to GIST research through real world evidence, relies on timely, accurate data from the patientβs perspective, with patient survival as the primary objective.
RECENT LRG DATA
Update your Patient Registry Info.
Join The Life Raft Group.
Current GIST Clinical Trials.
Search the GIST Specialist Database.
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
Life Raft Group Participates in Virtual CTOS Conference
The annual meeting of CTOS (Connective Tissue Oncology Society) will be held virtually this year due to the global pandemic.Β
Recognizing Our Women in Sarcoma Gala Honorees 2020
The Women in Sarcoma Gala, the culmination of the Women in Sarcoma series for 2020, will recognize medical professionals who have made an exceptional difference in the lives of GIST patients and their families. In addition, we will also honor two amazing sarcoma patients who have met the challenge their disease presented and have gone above and beyond to make a difference in the rare disease community.
Honoring the Memory of Nikki Morales – the Women in Sarcoma Gala
Join us for the first virtual annual Women in Sarcoma Gala in loving memory of Nikki Morales. Nikki Morales was a patient advocate, philanthropist, public speaker, volunteer, and an inspiration for so many within the sarcoma community.
In Memoriam – Dr. Nikhil Guhagarkar
Dr. Nikhil Guhagarkar found opportunities to balance life as a father, husband, medical professional, patient advocate and cancer survivor.
How Can B12 Help GIST Patients?
Fatigue is a common symptom experienced by GIST patients. Many factors may cause or contribute to lethargy, such as insomnia, malnutrition, iron deficiency to name a few, but a vitamin B12 deficiency in particular could be the root of the issue for some GIST sufferers.
Highlighting Exceptional Professionals in the Sarcoma Field
The Life Raft Group has developed the Women in Sarcoma program in recognition of the many women sarcoma specialists that engage with our organization and our patient and caregiver community.
GIST & Creativity – Jacqui Bartlett, Photographer & GISTer
Artistic expression is an important psychosocial activity. In this two-part series, these GISTers - professional and amateur creatives, share their stories. This is Jacqui Bartlett's story.
Australian GISTers Volunteer as LRG Country Liaisons
The LRG is pleased to welcome Shari Reid and Dr. Amy Kenworthy as country liaisons supporting GIST patients in Australia.























