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
Connection & GIST Education at the GIST Day of Learning Minnesota
A great community and an expert team of GIST specialist made up an amazing GIST Day of Learning at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota this October.
The AVAHO Annual Meeting 2026
The Life Raft Group attended the 21st annual AVAHO Meeting in Austin, Texas. AVAHO, the Association of Veterans Affairs (VA) Hematology/Oncology, focused on educational programs to improve the quality of care to veterans with cancer for this event.
More Than a Registry: Powering the Future of GIST Research
The LRG Patient Registry is now listed on ClinicalTrials.gov, strengthening its role in GIST research through more than 20 years of patient-powered data.
Remembering Cathy Freeman and Nancy Smith
The SDH-deficient GIST community remembers Cathy Freeman and Nancy Smith, honoring their courage, advocacy, and dedication to supporting others and advancing research.
Patient Advocacy in Action!
Jodi Bachand shares her experience at a cancer conference focused on whole-person care, patient support, and raising awareness of GIST.
Patient of the Month – October 2026: Christine Errigo
Each member has a unique story, but all reflect the intrinsic courage of one facing the challenge of GIST. Christine Errigo shares her story.
Patient of the Month – September 2026: Alisha Tokumaru
Each member has a unique story, but all reflect the intrinsic courage of one facing the challenge of GIST. Alisha Tokumaru shares her story.
The NEW LRG Patient Registry Presented at Life Fest
Denisse Evans and Ian Hill discussed the new features of the new, updated Patient Registry that launched in July 2026 at Life Fest 2026 in Nashville.
Keep up with the latest news, events, and opportunities to help.
To contact The Life Raft Group, please call 973-837-9092
PARTNERS & AFFILIATIONS
