Why GIST?

GIST is short for gastrointestinal stromal tumor, a type of cancer known as a sarcoma.

Every year 5,000 people are diagnosed with this cancer. Many of those patients may endure months of misdiagnoses before finally hearing the word, “GIST.”

In many cases, that word causes confusion from both the patient and the doctor.

As long as GIST remains saddled with the stigma of a rare disease, many will not know about the support and educational programs available to them as well as the latest advocacy and research efforts.

The truth is more people should be talking about GIST. Some of the top GIST experts in the country have said that understanding GIST and its treatment resistance on a molecular level can provide a model for curing other cancers.

GIST survivors deserve a cure. CANCER deserves a cure.

Learn more. Take action.

Learn the basics of GISTs here
The Life Raft Group (LRG) is a non-profit with a simple focus: to cure a form of cancer – GIST (gastrointestinal stromal tumors) – and to help those living with it until then. Our mission is to ensure the survival of GIST patients through a comprehensive approach connecting individual patients’ needs, the worldwide community of GIST advocates and the global health and research environment. To achieve this, we focus on three key areas: Patient Support & Education, Advocacy and Research.
Learn more about the LRG here