Monthly Archives: February 2012

Betty Arnet – In Memoriam

Betty Hayes Arnett went to be with our Lord and Savior Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2012 at age 64, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born Aug. 23, 1947 to Ruel and Mattie Hayes in Corsicana, Calif. She was a beloved mother, grandmother and wife. She was a longtime member of Missionary Baptist Church of Corsicana.

By |2014-09-17T09:24:37-04:00February 28th, 2012|In Memoriam|

Swiss pathologist wins the 2011 GIST prize

Berne, Switzerland 29 November 2011 – The GIST Group Switzerland awarded its Science Prize for the second time. This year’s recipient was Prof. Stephan Dirnhofer, who won the prize for his important work on the pathogenesis of GIST at the University of Basel’s Institute of Pathology. Dr. Michael Montemurro and Helga Meier Schnorf, who made the documentary “Living with GIST”, won the Special Recognition Award.

By |2019-09-20T16:13:31-04:00February 1st, 2012|News|

Retired horse trainer seeks to “Harness a Cure” through Dover Downs fundraiser

Twelve years ago, Life Rafter Bobby Kinsey began his own battle against GIST. Since then, he has helped countless people with GIST across the world. Most of you know Bobby as an LRG member who posts advice and words of encouragement in our email community. Now, Bobby has decided that he wants to do more to help fight this cancer.

By |2019-07-03T11:02:41-04:00February 1st, 2012|News|

GISTer’s daughter holds third annual ball for GIST

GIST has had a profound impact on my life even though I am not a patient myself. My father, Mark Becker, bravely fought his battle with GIST for 12 years before he died in 2009. Research and clinical trials are the two things that kept my dad alive long enough to see both of his daughters graduate high school and college, get married and have children.

By |2019-09-20T15:12:45-04:00February 1st, 2012|News|

Thank you for your support!

The Life Raft Group wishes to thank all of our members who participated in this year’s Holiday Campaign. Though it is still underway (look for final results in the next newsletter), this important campaign has raised over $47,000 to support our patient education & support, advocacy, and research to find a cure GIST.

By |2019-09-20T15:14:12-04:00February 1st, 2012|Fundraising, News|

Congrats to BOD member Marietta Robinson on Obama nomination!

Marietta has expressed how honored she is for the nomination and hopes for a quick confirmation from the Senate. Once confirmed she will be the fifth member of the commission, giving leverage to the Democrats once again since Democrat Thomas H. Moore’s absence, according to the Washington Post. Moore left the commission evenly divided between Democrats and Republicans, which caused consequent disagreements and obstacles for the CPSC.

By |2019-09-20T15:16:11-04:00February 1st, 2012|News|

One Life Rafter chooses a unique way to show support

Last month, the Life Raft Group took a giant step towards launching the Mike Matthews Legacy Society and planned giving program. Ray Montague, a dedicated Board Member and Treasurer of the Life Raft Group, pledged an incredible $100,000 bequest in memory of his son, Jonathan, in an effort to jumpstart the program.

By |2019-09-20T15:18:56-04:00February 1st, 2012|News|

GIST warriors left behind a legacy of struggle & triumph

Access issues come up often enough in America. Depending on the disease, many times there are agencies or organizations in place to help patients in need overcome these hurdles. Outside of the United States, it is not always easy or even difficult to access treatment for a rare cancer. It can be downright impossible. Factors like cost, patient population, and bureaucratic red tape can lead to restrictions on a patient’s ability to afford or even get a prescription for drugs like Gleevec, Sutent and others.

By |2019-09-20T15:21:01-04:00February 1st, 2012|News|

Genetic Markers of Progression in GISTs and Their Significance

Today there are four major methods of determining risk of recurrence after initial surgery. These methods are pretty good at identifying low-risk and highrisk tumors. However, there is a fairly large group that fall between low-risk and high-risk. Those with so-called “moderate” or “intermediate” risk tumors are faced with the decision of whether or not to take Gleevec. New guidelines exist that recommend taking Gleevec for at least three years, with many experts advocating longer periods for high-risk patients.

By |2018-06-07T15:02:23-04:00February 1st, 2012|News, Research|
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