GDOL 2019 Tampa

The Life Raft Group held a GIST Day of Learning (GDOL) in Tampa, at Moffitt Cancer Center, on May 16th, 2019. This was the first GDOL presented in Tampa. GDOLs are free, one-day programs that provide both education and support to the GIST community. Top GIST specialists present the latest on research and treatment options as well as provide a comprehensive review of the science behind GIST. GDOLs provide an opportunity not only to meet and interact with local expert practitioners in an intimate setting but also for patients to connect with one another in a supportive environment.

Who Attended GDOL Tampa?

Over 80 patients, caregivers, Moffitt Cancer Center practitioners, and friends attended the weekend event. Several new members joined our GIST community during the course of the day as well. Dr. Andrew Brohl (Moffitt) welcomed everyone and opened the day with a GIST 101 presentation. Dr. Ricardo Gonzalez (Moffitt) followed with a presentation on Surgical Management of GIST. Dr. Jonathan Trent of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center presented on Rare Subtypes of GIST, followed by a presentation from Dr. Ghassan El-Haddad (Moffitt) on Liver-Directed Therapy.

All of the doctors also participated in a panel discussion where patients and caregivers asked questions about GIST, treatments, side effect management, etc.

This was the first GDOL I have attended and I was VERY impressed. Great presenters, great presentations, great audience involvement and great host accommodations. Thank you, LRG for making this all possible. You are the BEST!” – Teena Petersohn, LRG Member and Board Member

One participant commented, “Love this type of communication and the audience Q&A. Learned more from this discussion than others.” While another participant stated, “This program was great. It was good to see the great minds together and all the work they do behind the scenes.” Patients also shared their GIST journey experiences. Finally, LRG member Jeff Davis inspired us all to keep moving forward to enjoy life to the fullest despite the health challenges we may be facing.

Thank you to Bayer, Deciphera, Genentech, Novartis, and Pfizer for sponsoring our 2019 GDOLs.

Presentations

GDOL Tampa Photo Gallery

GDOL Tampa group photo