Marlene Nei – Volunteer, Advocate, and Caregiver
Marlene has been a member of the Life Raft Group since 2011. Marlene has a long history of volunteerism for which she credits her mother who modeled helping anyone and everyone.
Hope & Obstacles Along a GIST Journey
Many GIST patients around the world struggle with getting the treatment they need to survive and thrive. Arun Krishnan’s story illustrates how collaboration between patient groups and doctors across the globe can affect patient survival.
The State of GIST Treatments
Senior Scientific Director Pete Knox reports on current and emerging GIST treatments and the mutations they address. New research in GIST is happening, and there may be even more therapies around the corner.
Passion Translates to Advocacy Across the Globe
When facing a diagnosis of cancer, self-advocacy becomes an important survival skill for patients and caregivers. These stories illustrate what an ordinary person can accomplish due to extraordinary circumstances and how they affected change for so many people with GIST.
One Perspective on the BLU-285 Trial (avapritinib/Ayvakit)
LRG members Jennifer & Owen Moore give their perspective on participating in the Phase I BLU-285 trial at OSHU with Dr. Michael Heinrich. After three other drug treatment lines and faced with several growing tumors, the BLU-285 (avapritinib) trial was Owen’s best option.
Whisky Lovers Gather at WOLF
Whisky aficionados gathered for the 3rd Annual Water of Life Fall event (WOLF) to enjoy whisky and raise funds for #GISTresearch.
Top Ten Tips for Caregivers
Director of Communications Mary Garland shares these top ten tips for caregivers for this GIST journey.
Spokane GISTers Gather for Food & Sharing Along the Journey
Five GISTers and four caregivers attend the luncheon at Europa Restaurant and Bakery. Besides a great meal, attendees were able to meet each other and share our journeys through their GIST journeys.
Steve Pontell – Newest Board Member
The Life Raft Group announces Steve Pontell, Esq. as the newest addition to our Board of Directors.
First LRG GIST Mentor Training Takes Place in Wayne, NJ
An LRG GIST Mentor helps patients and their caregivers through their GIST journey – from receiving a diagnosis to navigating different resources of information, support, treatment options, side effects, etc.