Life Raft Group Holds Biennial Life Fest Convention July 13-15

WAYNE, N.J. - July 12, 2018 - PRLog -- The Life Raft Group will hold the 9t^h biennial Life Fest convention on July 13-15th at the Hilton Miami Downtown in Miami, Florida. Life Fest is a unique event that provides an opportunity for patients with GIST (Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor) and their caregivers to gather in a forum where they have unprecedented access to global leaders in the field of GIST research and treatment as well as the opportunity to share experiences with others from the Life Raft GIST community.

This year's convention will bring a wealth of new information about GIST research and treatment, as well as a call-to-advocacy plan for participants. Workshops, lectures and panels are balanced with opportunities to interact with other GIST patients in a relaxed atmosphere. This year, there will be parallel tracks for Adult and Pediatric GIST patients.

At a luncheon on Saturday, July 14, awards will be presented to those who have positively impacted the GIST community: Center of Excellence Award to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center accepted by Dr. Jonathan Trent; Clinician of the Year Award presented to Dr. Suzanne George of Dana-Farber Cancer Center; Jeroen Pit Science Award to the NIH Wildtype Clinic represented by Dr. Fernanda Arnaldez; Alan Tobes Volunteer(s) of the Year Award presented to the Dillon/Morales and MacLea families.

On Sunday, July 15, the first GIST DO IT fundraising walk will be held from 6:30 AM to 9 AM at the Margaret Pace Park Baywalk. The proceeds will be shared between the Life Raft Group and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center for research to find a cure for GIST. For more information on the walk, contact Laura Occhiuzzi at the Life Raft Group: locchiuzzi@liferaftgroup.org.

For the first time, the Life Raft Group is also hosting the Pediatric & SDH-Deficient Symposium. Bringing together the top experts in research and treatment for these rare subtypes of GIST, it is a unique opportunity for collaboration the development of a strategic plan as they work towards effective treatments and ultimately a cure for these patients.

About the Life Raft Group:

The Life Raft Group is a non-profit with a simple mission: Enhancing survival and quality of life for people living with GIST and other cancers through patient-powered research, education and empowerment, and global advocacy efforts.

To learn more, visit www.liferaftgroup.org