Our Good News Holiday Campaign is the culmination of our year of “Time to Tell the Stories 2022.” In this series, we celebrate the connections, the celebrations, the events and milestones that we’ve been privileged to be a part of this year. Our 20th anniversary year is winding down and we are wrapping it up by spreading good news & gratitude throughout the season. Your financial donations and selfless volunteerism are what enable us to continue providing vital services to our GIST community.
Celebrating Our Support Services
Dear Friends,
We can all use someone who is in our corner offering us inspiring words of hope, guidance on potential steps and options, or simply an ear to listen to our inner most feelings and thoughts. The Life Raft Group offers this type of support to the GIST patients and their loved ones through support groups, a mentor program and virtual or in-person state meetings. However, to reach more patients and caregivers who need this assistance and have trained peers to provide this support, we need your help.
Cancer can be such a lonely battle and it doesn’t have to be especially when you can connect with someone who is on the same path. This was the case for Bettina, a member of the Life Raft Group, who participates in our virtual support group.
“Having the friendship, kindness, support from other GISTers who understand firsthand what you are going through is just so special. Battling cancer is a struggle and having this special group wrapped around you like a blanket provides so much comfort, warmth, and the realization that indeed you are never alone. Hearing other members stories and what they endure is so inspiring and gives me the strength and courage to get through those bad times. The urge to help others is an important focus, as we all want to do what we can to help alleviate each other’s pain and suffering. We are all in this together and that makes us so much stronger.” – Bettina
Part of the LRG’s mission is to educate and empower patients. We currently assist over 750 patients and caregivers through our support programs throughout the year. We want to reach 1,000 members in the coming year. By donating today, we can continue to offer more virtual support groups, train more mentors, and reach more members who need someone in their corner.
Will you help others like Bettina by donating to the LRG today?
With so much gratitude for you and your donation to support the programs that support GIST patients and their loved ones every day.
– Diana Nieves, Senior Director, Outreach & Engagement
