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
Merck’s Keytruda Approved for Advanced Melanoma Treatment
Advanced Melanoma patients are now able to take a powerful new immuno-cology drug from Merck called Keytruda.
4 Ways to Make a Difference in the Life of a Cancer Patient
There are many ways to make a difference in the life of a cancer patient. We've put together four that can help make a cancer patient's day.
Resources For Cancer Patients And Caregivers
Comprehensive resources for cancer patients and caregivers can be found on Patient Resource’s website. This is valuable information, not only for GIST patients, but also for those who may have friends and loved ones with other diagnoses.
New Cancer Classification System Supports Concept of Personalized Treatment
A new cancer classification system that supports the idea of personalized medicine has been found as a result of a research study by University of California, San Francisco, indicated that more accurate diagnoses could be made based on genetic makeup.
Cancer and Intimacy: Nurturing Relationships
All relationships have to weather storms, but when a couple faces the challenges of cancer treatment, intimacy can suffer. Intimacy can be difficult for any couple, but cancer and intimacy can be an even larger obstacle.
Japanese Study on Gastric Cancer Screening Shows Impact on GIST Treatment
A recent study from the Annals of Surgical Oncology (August, 2014) analyzes data found in the GIST registry conducted by the Kinki GIST Study Group in Japan. It was determined that by identifying asymptomatic patients, the Japanese gastric cancer screening system contributed to early detection of gastric GIST and favorable treatment outcomes.
Second Meeting of LRG-NIH Virtual GIST Tumor Board Now Accepting Applications
The Life Raft Group, in partnership with the National Institutes of Health, is pleased to announce that applications are currently being accepted for the second meeting of the NIH-LRG Virtual GIST Tumor Board.
10 Things You Should Never Say to a Cancer Patient
A recent article in Woman’s Day provides valuable insight into how to reach out to someone when you learn they have been diagnosed with cancer. Here's a list of ten things you should never say to a cancer patient.
Keep up with the latest news, events, and opportunities to help.
To contact The Life Raft Group, please call 973-837-9092
PARTNERS & AFFILIATIONS
