GIST SARCOMA LIFE RAFT GROUP CANADA

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour (GIST) is a rare form of sarcoma which is the least known of all the major forms of cancer. GIST can occur anywhere along the GI tract and commonly affects the stomach. Several hundred Canadians are diagnosed with GIST each year. GIST strikes randomly; there are no known risk factors and no known ways to prevent it. However over the last 25+ years research discoveries have advanced the medical community’s understanding of this cancer and have also greatly improved its treatment through targeted therapy drugs. The mission of GIST Sarcoma Life Raft Group Canada (LRG Canada) is to ensure the survival of GIST patients to assist patients and caregivers in maximizing the quality of their lives and to support GIST research in Canada. The following ongoing charitable programs support our mission. 1) Support and provide education for GIST patients and caregivers. 2) Provide funding for GIST research in Canada. 3) Sponsor annual patient conferences such as the 'GIST Day of Learning'. 4) Host GIST patient group meetings across Canada. 5) Communicate regularly with GIST patients and caregivers. 6) Maintain a directory of Canadian physicians with expertise in GIST. 7) Increase awareness of GIST among the public and healthcare professionals in Canada. 8) Advocate for access to medical treatment for GIST patients and caregivers across Canada. Since 2015 LRG Canada has helped fund GIST research at the following Canadian research centres - BC Cancer Sunnybrook Research Institute (Toronto) and The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre