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 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
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
Current and Emerging Medications For GIST
Pete Knox's presentation on current and emerging medications for GIST.
Patient of the Month for November: Jodi Lang
Each member has a unique story, but all reflect the intrinsic courage of one facing the challenge of GIST. Jodi Lang shares her story.
Tour de abogacía en Latin America
Participación de los pacientes en el “Tour de abogacía por la participación de los pacientes en la toma de decisiones en políticas públicas de salud.”
Discussing Progress in SDH-Related Diseases
Sara Rothschild, LRG VP Program Services, met with Othon Iliopoulos, MD, Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, to discuss how to understand and make progress in SDH-related diseases.
Accelerating Innovation in Precision Medicine
Sara Rothschild, VP Programs and Services at the LRG, attended an executive education program at the Harvard Business School which brought together leaders from the health care, scientific, technological, and business communities to speed progress and drive cures.
Volunteer Spotlight
Raising awareness for the GIST community is important to the DeLorenzo family. Recently they held their 14th annual barbecue where friends and family gathered to fundraise for GIST research in support of The Life Raft Group.
Chicago Patient Support Group
The Chicago Area GIST Patients Support Group made history this year! This group has been meeting the longest of any LRG support group - continuously since 2002.
Finding a Ride to Your Doctor’s Appointments
Over 3.6 million people miss their medical appointments each year, preventing them from getting the care that they need or getting access to the medicine that could help them. People report that distance to the doctor’s office, cost of the transportation, and access to a driver or public transportation as the main reasons that they are having a challenge with transport.





























