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
A Blessing from GIST – Super Max & Bryce
Professor Amy Kenworthy's GIST journey includes inspiring her son Bryce to help children in treatment for cancer. Bryce, at nine years old, decided to take action and created a project in 2016 called Super Max & Bryce.
Caregiver of the Month for November: Stephanie De Jong
Each member has a unique story, but all reflect the intrinsic courage of one facing the challenge of GIST. Stephanie De Jong shares her story.
GIST & Creativity – Ellen Mayer, Painter and GISTer
Artistic expression is an important psychosocial activity. In this two-part series, these GISTers - professional and amateur creatives, share their stories. In this post, painter, graphic designer & photographer, Ellen Mayer of NJ shares about her journey with GIST and creativity.
Save the Date – Women in Sarcoma Virtual Gala
Doctors, radiologists, nurses, social workers, pathologists, researchers and patients share their strength, hope, and experience with sarcoma patients and each other worldwide each day. The Life Raft Group is honoring a group of these women at the Women in Sarcoma with a Virtual Gala on December 10, at 6pm ET.
GIST & Creativity – MaKayla Evans, Medical Assistant, Artist, GISTer
Artistic expression is an important psychosocial activity. In this two-part series, these GISTers - professional and amateur creatives, share their stories. MaKayla Evans loves painting, drawing, and photography.
Thank You to Our Newest GEMs!
Become a GEM today! Our newly launched GEM Donor Program has a group of new donors that will [...]
Annual Report 2019
Our theme for 2019 was Travel with Us on the Path to Survival. GIST patients and caregivers are on a journey, seeking to survive this rare cancer. Our mission is to walk with them on their journey, providing resources to help them not only survive, but thrive. In 2019, there was a strong research component to our efforts, promoting the importance of real world data and real world evidence to enhance traditional research
Women in Sarcoma Program 2020
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.
Keep up with the latest news, events, and opportunities to help.
To contact The Life Raft Group, please call 973-837-9092
PARTNERS & AFFILIATIONS
